I just don't really refer to my family's opinions for much. I understand why they are the way they are, I think... it doesn't have much to do with who I am. I suspect this is something that will sort itself out for you with age.

I avoid them like they avoid me.

Because you are different does not mean you are the black sheep. There are countless people who are not close to their families. You can still have a relationship and be a healthy part of your family as long as you are true to yourself. STOP saying you are a freak! This is a good start. So you're different....this also can be a good thing! As long as you are good to your parents and try to be a decent sibling this is all anyone can do. Now just live and be thankful for who you are!

Maybe they are the ones who are the black sheep and you're the perfectly normal one. Things may change in the future. In the meantime don't measure yourself against others. Their baggage and stories may be much different than yours. Happy Friday! :)

I have always been very different to my six siblings, I am now 48 and only see them when it is necessary. I am happy wihtout them in my life.

Lonely, I once bought a puppy. the puppy's owners said, "you do not want that one, its the runt or black sheep of the litter". i seriously had my doubts, since this one little male border collie puppy just loved me to death. how could i resist? now, after seven years together, my border collie puppy was never a runt or the black sheep of the litter. he is unbelievably intelligent. I felt the same way you do. i was different in another way. i love my parents and family. but, like you, i had a feeling that i had to take a different fork in the road in my life. i did this and i am glad i did. My family first thought i was a little freakish, too. we had never had a police officer in the family before and they did not understand why i wanted to be one. i think their main concern was my safety. Bottomline, its in your genes. i tried to fight my ambition of being a cop, but the force was too great. did i make a mistake? no. i love helping people and to catch the bad guys. some people were born to be what they are and thats it. Your family will accept anything you pursue in your life. they may make comments now, but its you that has your life in front of you and not them. Your family's love for you will always be there. sooner or later they will understand why you did what you did and they will love you even more. There is no such thing as the black sheep of a family and never forget this. John

I´m not the black sheep myself, so I´m maybe not one you want an answer from, but you got me thinking. I guess the more sure you become of yourself, the easier you deal with your family. If you don´t have to be concerned about finding yourself and all that stuff, it´s one load off your mind. And then you send clearer signals to your family, which means that if they´re confused it could help clearing things up for them. How you can cope and try to relate totally depends upon you, them and how you all function together. f.x: Are you a patient person? You could just give them time. Are you a confrontational person? Then you could take it up with them openly.

Sometimes I do feel like the odd one out, but it doesn't affect me much at all. All that matters is that my family treats me like family and I'm fine. I love my relatives. I can't relate to them at all but that doesn't mean I can't be supportive or understanding.