family  dysfunctions, is complex,  sibiling competion still strong into midlife?
414149
Avoid them like the plague!  You're outnumbered.  If you MUST be with them, respect them and show them by example, how NORMAL people would react.\nEVERY family has a couple odd-balls!
101128
Have you ever considered talking to your family and discussing a "life style change"?  You should be able to have "fun" with your family and it seems you've gotten to the point where you need some layed back fun.  Maybe the rest would understand and want to make the changes with you.  Maybe you're trying to live a certain "concept" that is expected.  It's time to shit can the "expected" and do what makes you and your family happy!
109480
My mother was 20 years younger than my father. She was 32 when I was born and he was 52. He passed away at the age of 82 when I was 30. They had alot of differences that never got worked out and I think it was due to the age/interest gap not to mention she was good at pushing anyone's last button. They divorced when I was 12 remarried a couple of years later only to divorce finally when I was 15. I am not sure if you can see where I am going here or if I even see it fully but I personally feel that if you get along great, fall in love and have a successful relationship then there is nothing wrong with it. True love knows no boundaries. Best of luck to you....
402822
I think so. Unfortunately not all adults are mature and I don't think you should depend on one parent to give you a fair assessment of the other parent.  It's quite apparent that the two didn't get along, other wise they would still be together or at least be friends for the sake of both being productively in their child's life.
743456
I know of a situation in which one brother, as an adult, became highly educated and is in an important position while the other brother, although he has a good family and is doing well financially, is jealous of his brother and does not want he or his family to have much contact with him.  I think life takes siblings down different paths and they grow apart.  It is so sad that, even when a parent is seriously ill or in the dying process, that that often brings out the worse in siblings and they fight and grow even further apart.  This happens frequently.
665793
To be honest Happy Families have found that "thing" that makes them happy. I think that they realize that happy is relative. They realize that they are not always going to be "happy" they talk, they allow cool off time and realize that in the end they are all they have. Another thing I have noticed is honesty. Parents of happy children are normally honest with them they know their limits and make sure their kids know them  there are no unreal expectations. I think that knowing the ppl in your family helps you know the things that are important to the members of your family respect them and help them flourish in them. In essence yes u will fight but hey u also get over it, emotion over material. Hope this helps
1108784
I'm sure it is. But it's going to take a really long time and a lot of time spending with family and friends just so you don't think about it. Good luck ! and I hope everything works out.
584768
Hahaha!\n\nNo.  Families are messed up.  It's a shame but that's the way it is.\n\nWe all are HUMAN.  So there is no one that doesn't have Some issue.\n\nThere's a saying that I love & will pass on to you.\n\nSay what you mean,\nMean what you say,\nDon't say it mean.\n\nLive & Let Live.  Just accept yourself first, but everyone else too for who they are.  Period.  Causes you a lot less stress.
1050497
Absolutely...family get  togethers are always interesting, to say the least...nothing boring going on there, is there? And, you will always have someone to be mad at...all built into the family. You will always have a group that you will feel "better than." Think of the consequences of their being "perfect in everyway!" That would be a harder bunch to face than a bunch of loonies. Count your blessings..unless, of course, your wife is part of the madness...then you have more problems than this note can cover :-)
354772
I had a close relationship with my mother.  We talked every single day.  Sure when I was a teenager she annoyed me and we fought.  But that didn't mean anything.  Once I got out of adolencense, I appreciated her.  Out of all my family members who have died, I miss her the most.
190005
Yes, very much so.  Not a complex situation here.  Have such types married and lived a long life together.  Yes.  But let's look at quality of life here.  You do best in your comfort zone.
352861
I agree with you.  Traditional family is just made up.  People always make up things to justify wanting to end or not make happen something.
238939
It happened to me. My husband and my sister no less.  It ruined my marriage, even after 28 years I haven't forgiven him.  He ended up with a terminal illness- Multiple Sclerosis for 15 years. He passed away in 2004. I felt like I had to stay and help him.  His actions affected my relationship with my older son and my sister...not that she was worth a second chance. But, I did try.  My mother, father, and baby sister didn't talk to me for 15 years- yea, like it was my fault. My brother and I remained estranged until he passed away. All I did was stay with the guy.  Big mistake! My younger son is not really part of the family every one shuns him because he looks like my husband. My sister's daughter ended up being an outcast and tried to commit suicide twice. What should you do?  Move on...make a life for yourself, find someone that respects you and loves you for who you are now... don't wait it will only hurt you! I am 53 back in college and making a life for myself for the first time. I have never been happier. I plan on traveling and staying alive! With as much enthusiasum as possible..If you need to have someone beside you I am sure that there will be that certain someone around the corner.  For myself, I just love being myself. One day maybe I'll meet someone but, for now my happiness and peace of mind it what counts to me.
414632
i'm still relatively newlywed (almost 2 years) and so far nothing has been difficult. but I think we both still make the other's needs a priority so that may be the part we actually have to remember to do later... or the part that will not come as naturally once we get lazy, bored, or have kids.
910894
Hi there , \n\nI understand your frustration. Every family are dysfunctional in some ways and when there is a crisis, like you mentioned, the stress just builds up and family members disagree. It's almost worse that they're your family because they can truly act like themselves, which often brings out their worst, or so it seems. But I believe everyone has a good intention, it's just that everyone thinks they're right and aren't willing to consider others' opinion.\n\nIt's a sign of selfishness and immaturity but hey, there will always those people and you've just got to deal with it, ya know?\n\nI hope everything works out sweetie :)
6095
Experience is a strict taskmaster, but it's more effective than any other method.  Yes, I think that you mature more quickly without a support system, but you also make a lot more mistakes.  All in all, it's better to have family and support than have to re-invent the wheel of life by yourself.
822764
agree with you as the best times I remember were family orientated. seems as though modern society in having to make a living has taken over