Dear Libby,

My family consists of me, my mom, my dad, my older brother, and my younger sister. They all have a lot in common. They’re usually of one mind when it comes to any given subject. I’m the odd one out. I don’t see to think or act or look like the rest of them, and I can’t figure out why. I’m not an affair baby. I checked. Both my parents are my parents. So I’m even more confused why I’m so much different from them.

The rest of my family is very community-minded. My parents belong to the Raven Club and are always doing stuff around town. My brother and sister both play sports, just like my parents did in high school. I don’t play sports and I’m not a big fan of other people. I like to draw and play piano. When I’m alone, I can get lost in my imagination for hours. The rest of my family doesn’t really get it. They think I’m just worthless or something.

I wish I was like everyone else, but also I don’t. It’s complicated. I guess things would be easier if I was, but I don’t want to lose what’s unique about me. When the rest of them go hiking or camping, I always stay behind. I hate being outside. They sometimes joke that I’m a vampire since I’m so pale and I keep my shades drawn all day. Also, I’m allergic to garlic, mushrooms, and avocados, which only fuels the stark differences between us. Do you have any idea why I’m the way that I am?

–Different Strokes

Dear “Different Strokes,”

It sounds to me like you’re doing your best not to fit in. I can understand that you have different interests to the rest of your family, but have you tried to do what they like to do? When’s the last time you’ve gone hiking or camping with them? If you haven’t gone in years, maybe it’s time to give it a try again. It can’t hurt. Even if you have a miserable time, at least you gave it a shot. That’s more than can be said for you right now.

It would’ve been easy if you could blame genetic for your situation. Having a different father would validate your insistence on uniqueness. It’s fine to want to have some things that aren’t the same as everyone else, but when you go out of your way to think and act and look different from other people, that just makes you a contrarian. I can tell you from personal experience: nobody likes a contrarian.

To be honest, your food allergies sound made up. If you don’t like certain foods, that’s fine, but claiming to be allergic to them in order to excuse yourself for rejecting certain dishes made for you is simply rude. Stop being such a baby and try them next time your family makes something for you with them in it. I’m sure you’ll be fine. Then you might have to admit to yourself that the only reason you’re so different from the rest of your family is because you want to be.

–Lovingly, Libby

EDITOR’S NOTE: Allergies to garlic, mushrooms, and avocados is real. Please do not eat them if you have suffered allergic reactions to them in the past.