Family roles: Golden child, black sheep, middle child

[Anonymous]

- I’m the black sheep. Married, 2 kids, stay at home, UMC
- The golden child is divorced, all over the place with jobs, free-spirited and lots of amazing hobbies
- The middle child died of a drug overdose

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:- I’m the black sheep. Married, 2 kids, stay at home, UMC
- The golden child is divorced, all over the place with jobs, free-spirited and lots of amazing hobbies
- The middle child died of a drug overdose

Interesting how this plays out. In my family:

I am black sheep, happily married, well educated, 2 kids, part -time job I love but not brag-worthy to my parents
Middle child: has cancer so they finally leave him alone, otherwise he would probably be cast off with me. He is the one I have a relationship with because he has good values and a kind heart. He is happily married and beloved at his job which also is not brag-worthy in my parent's eyes. He's the true gem of the family.

Golden Child: oldest- ivy league undergrad and grad, constant conflict at work, manipulative and backstabbing, divorced and adopted on her own-does not get along with her child, most relationships-friendship and romance go up in flames with lots of drama, makes poor financial decisions, but has plenty of money to throw around, mom is totally enmeshed with her still and puts her on a pedestal

Cousin's family:

Oldest: was black sheep for having many needs, but now is neutral and has good relationship with parents:
Middle: was Golden for being top student and going to top schools but ended up estranged black sheep. Parents brag about cutting her out of will. She is a partner in a major lawfirm and her husband is a physician. She has 2 almost adult children and a great relationship with them, I think they will be fine.
Youngest: Golden: went to good schools and has a prestigious job along with failing marriage, adorable kids and many struggles with depression. She is no longer enjoying Golden status now that her parents live near her and make major demands. Her husband is threatening divorce if they don't move away from her parents. She envies estranged sibling for being done with them.

Other Cousin's family:

Golden: happily married, but financial risk taker who has lost quite a bit of money and who plants himself all over the internet trying to pretend he is successful
Black sheep: happily married with adult kids. Leading a good life and still trying to process in therapy why she was singled out.