My parents aren't all that exciting. I'm envious of you for that. My grandparents lived in Germany, but they moved here when they were around 12... So no real interesting stories out of that. And that's my grandparents on my Father's side. My grandparents on my Mother's side lived here in America. I think it goes all the way back to my great-great grandparents actually when they lived in Europe. Sweden I think my grandma used to say.. But I never got an stories out of her about her grandparents.

I'm a very brave person. My parents, especially my mom, say that's what makes me such an interesting person to be around. I used to be shy around new people when I was younger, but I grew out of that quickly. Thank goodness. But being different is a good thing, so don't bring yourself down thinking it isn't.

I should know; I'm pretty sure I'm the strangest person out there. ;)

@:

These are hardly great findings; just me bitching. I guess even "hopeless idealists" have their bad days. ^^;;

It's okay to feel that way. I think a lot of people hate their relatives at least every once in a while. My relatives... don't really dislike me; it's more like I'm just the oddball who doesn't really socialize with many of them, and they seem to recognize that. And I think some of them see me as being standoff-ish towards them... which, honestly, might hold a grain of truth.

And this is obvious, but don't listen to your relatives. I haven't known you for very long, but I can already tell that you're, like, the opposite of conceited. And you're hardly stupid; you actually seem very clever. ^^

@SomeGuy:

they can see solid careers in those other sorts of things

The science thing isn't so much just a vocational interest for them as it is the direction they naturally lean towards. My mother is very much into science & math and doesn't really get the whole writing/art thing; in fact, she hates writing anything. My brother is very similar. My sister and father can appreciate my interest in writing and other artsy things, but aren't really into it themselves, I guess. Though parents have long ago stopped trying to poke me in the direction of a science career, if they were ever even hopeful of that in the first place. ^^;;

And yeah, the family has given up speaking to me in the native tongue. *cough* >_>;;

go to the dances at ACEN and make out with some random person for a bit?

.....Tempting, but I don't think I'm quite that desperate yet. ^^;;

I know what you mean. I'm the only one in my family that is Science academically inclined. My Dad is, but more as an interest as he's in business, and my Mom is an artist. One of my brothers is a complete genius, but doesn't really care, and would rather rock-climb and stuff, lol. My whole family is all about experiencing things like traveling and stuff, and I just don't really care that much.

So really, don't worry about it. EVERYONE feels that they are the sole difference in the people around them. This is simply because everyone really is different in so many ways.

You're 1st generation born here, right?

I can safely say I have a lot in common with ya. Right now of everyone in my generation whose done the school-type thing, I'm the only one who pursued a Liberal Arts degree; everyone else so far has been sciences or business (and my brother who's gonna get a BA in History is moving on to Law). And it is a culture thing, that they can see solid careers in those other sorts of things - which is true and which is fine.

Heh, I'm also the only writer in the family. Though, my interests in writing and history actually spread to my dad, funny enough - he's been collecting all of our family history together and wants me to write an English translation of it some day. Also coincidentally enough, my grandma survived WW2 in China, so she absolutely has stories too - though in my case, when she told me some of it this past winter I only understood about half of it . . . I take it the transfer of information wasn't quite as tough for you?

You're doing what you love; that's the best anyone can hope for in this day and age. And y'know, you're only the weird one because you know the differences - I'm sure when people see you all together, you're more similar than not in the long run . . . but if you don't believe me, umm . . .

. . . I dunno, go to the dances at ACEN and make out with some random person for a bit? I guarantee that'll refocus your concern about being too shy or anything like that.

@Dagger IX1:

Haha, I think I'm in a similar boat; my mother and I get along surprisingly well despite us disagreeing on a lot of things and squabbling with each other half the time.

I dunno. I guess I should feel grateful that most everyone has learned to tolerate me at this point, but I still feel... displaced sometimes. I'll get over it eventually, I suppose.

Think of yourself as the one who brings something different to their sad science/math infested lives. ;)

I guess I'd be the odd one out in my family, too; my parents and my little sister--who's an absolute genius--are overachievers to a man, and as for me, while I do well enough for myself... yeah, not so much. We don't understand each other's perspectives on a lot of things, from hobbies to work ethics, but the constant worldview clashes keep us amused and entertained. It all kind of works out for the best, I guess.

@:

Be proud you're different!

I normally am, or at least I can usually deal with it, but it can be hard sometimes. In any case, thanks. ^^

It's always impressive at how people can tell stories like that. It's odd hearing tales of the war from my grandfather, since he always throws jokes and laughs in.

I wish I were as brave and courageous as my parents or grandparents, etc., were when they were my age. But I'm not, and such is life.