I am the youngest in my entire family by a LOT. I constantly feel excluded because people think I won't understand, but I'm in high school! My older sister and older brother are best friends, and I always feel left out around them. What can I do to change my sitch?
Loads of times adults, or even teens older than you, think that because you’re younger you won’t know what they’re talking about. Of course that’s not the case, but it’s hard to change their minds. Here’s what you need to do.
Include yourself
If your bro and sis go off in private, instead of feeling hurt and left out, follow them. Tell them that you want to be included and show them that it won’t be weird if you hang out with them. Once they see you fit right in, they’ll include you more often.
Share your stories
Prove to your fam that you can hang out with the older crowd by getting involved with their convo. If they’re talking about something you know, jump in. If they’re talking about something you don’t, ask questions. Don’t let yourself be left out!
Find common interests
Maybe asking your siblings to watch a Disney movie won’t be the best idea, but start doing things together. Watch movies they like and play games they do. If you like the same things they do you’ll not only have loads of things to talk about, but you’ll spend way more time with your older siblings doing those fun things.
Be cool
Let them know that you’re comfortable hanging around them and they’ll be comfortable with you. Sometimes when you feel really left out it’s hard to relax and act normal, but know that they’re your family and they love you! You shouldn’t feel like they don’t want you around.
The grass is always greener
Sometimes when you hang out with older family members you see that it’s not for you. Who knows maybe you’ll feel uncomfortable and realize that they have their thing and you have yours with your BFFs. Try to imagine how you’d feel if you had someone younger trying to listen in on private convos between you and your bestie? Sometimes your bro and sis will need their space, so just be okay with the possibility that you may not become the third musketeer.
When you let your siblings know you feel left out they shouldn’t exclude you as much, but just appreciate the great friendships you do have the try not to be too jealous of the one your sister and brother share.
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