Being the middle kid sucks. A lot. The oldest is seen as responsible or a role model for the younger kids. The youngest is cute and the favorite. The middle kid, however, is typically overlooked for everything they do. This is unfortunately my life.

I do so much around my house that no one even acknowledges.

I clean up after my dogs. I put water in their water bowls. I take them out at least 6 times a day. I stay outside to make sure they stay in the yard most of the time. I do dishes more times a week than my sister does in a month.

I care for my sister when we're home alone. I support my sister in everything she does. I go to as many of her school and out of school activities as I can without much persuasion.

I try my best to make my parents proud of me. I try my best to keep my sister happy. I try my best in school. I try to make myself happy and proud of myself.

I tried for years to get on my patents' good side and nothing worked. I'm pretty much given up on making them proud of me. Nothing is good enough for them. They don't thank me for my efforts very often, it's quite rare.

And my older half brother left 3 years ago and I haven't seen him since his graduation. I now have to be the protective older sibling and the fun sibling. It's hard to be both at the same time.

My brother just left us on our own. He doesn't call, he doesn't visit, he barely texts my sister. I don't even know what town he lives in.

There's way too much pressure on middle kids. There's probably worse cases than me.