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[quote=Anonymous]I realize this is likely impossible, but wondering if anyone has any recommendations on getting the message across that despite being different from them, I'm actually content with things in my life.

Basic info:
- 3 siblings, 2 older brothers, 1 older sister (I am the youngest)
- parents are deceased
- I am not married, do not have kids

When the last of our parents passed away a few years ago, all of us inherited a fair amount, which we are lucky to have. For me it has afforded me the freedom to leave a more "prestigious" path that I was on (without going into identifying details). I have decided since, to not go down that road. I am quite content working part time, doing volunteer work during other times, and doing things that I enjoy in the rest of the time.  Some might consider it "simple" or not living up to your potential, or mediocre, etc. For me though, it's fine - I feel much more content doing things that I actually like, with more free time. I think there are other ways to contribute to the world/society without 40-90 hour weeks.

My siblings are very type A - they are obsessed with success, getting ahead in their careers, and are more status/achievement oriented. They are constantly doing, doing, doing, and it fulfills them. Which is fine, but it's not for me. They also find it concerning that I'm in my 30s and not married (even though one is in the process if getting divorced, 2 have had separations but reconciliations). Sure companionship would be nice as I get older, but I don't want to get married must to get married. I'm not afraid of being single, and I've never wanted kids. I have friends, I spend time with my nieces, nephews, friends kids, etc, and love it. I work here and there and do things that I like, and give back in other ways. Maybe it's mediocre, but it's sufficient for me.

The holidays are coming up, and I'm tired of the questions. When I tell them I'm happy, they don't believe me, and can't see how I'm fulfilled. I also think they don't know how to explain me to their kids, because I don't fit the "do do do" paradigm. If it works for them and their families, more power to them. But my philosophy is that as long as you're not hurting others, and not hurting yourself, who cares? The challenge is that they *do* think I'm hurting myself by not living in the competitive race.

Suggestions, please?[/quote]

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