Hello, lilacwine.

I’m used to many painful stings. I can’t change other people, or how they perceive me. But I can choose to change my perceptions of them, and not allow them to get to me. Sounds like you have a few jealous family members. At the end of the day, their jealousy isn’t your problem, even though they can try to make it your problem by bringing you down. Just don’t let them do it. You are happy with your life, and that can be very threatening and saddening to those who aren’t. Acknowledge that for what it is – not with a superior form of pity on them -but with compassion and hope that they’ll find joy, too.

Every time they cut you down, realize that’s their own pain talking. Some people are just hateful. Some people are oblivious to the impact of their so-called “humor” and overall hurtful behavior. This is a perpetual struggle in life. Just remain confident, communicative and self-loving. Who cares what others have accomplished by a certain age? Your life isn’t to be used as a base of comparison to anyone. You’re doing the best you can, following your dreams, and accomplishing your goals within your own time frame. That’s all that matters. :0)

I know it’s hard, but you can’t change them. All you can do is walk tall and keep your chin up, while remaining cognizant that they’re hurting, too. Happy people spread joy, and unhappy people don’t. You can choose to be joyful and lighthearted, and that’s a powerfully infectious decision. They can’t touch that, unless you let them.

Hope that helps, Hon. Good luck with your studies!