My cousin is a condescending jerk.

[Kitchen]

I'm the youngest in the family, and all my cousin's are older than me. I'm in my mid-twenties, and my cousins range from early 30s to late 40s. I've never been too close with most of them because of the age gap; they never included me in things when I was younger, and now I am a bit left out, which is fine.

 

My biggest problem is one particular cousin who always puts me down. Him and I share many common interests even though he is 8 years older, and so he was the only one I used to be fairly close with. Then, after I graduated college and went into a higher paying career than his, he became a jerk. It's pretty obvious that he feels inferior to me because I am in a more prestigious, higher paying role. I've never thrown this in his face or acted arrogant or anything; but knowing him I can tell that he doesn't like it. Therefore, he always puts me down and has negative things to say about anything and everything I do.

 

In a normal situation outside of family I can easily ignore such things, or brush them off and even fight back if I have to. But for some reason, it annoys/hurts/angers me coming from them; and also I never have the courage to speak up against him or anyone else in my extended family. I don't know what it is. Maybe it's because I'm the youngest, or maybe because they all are together in a group and I am the only one left out.

 

I only see these people a few times a year, at family gatherings, but it's gotten to a point where it's really bothering me, and more so it's pissing me off that I am so mute with them, I feel like a wuss. So I would like some advice on what to do.

 

Thanks to all who read.

[FitChick]

What is his job?

[Nyla]

I no longer attend functions with my mother's extended family. They are a nest of vipers; jealous fools who like to spread rumors about me and enjoy seeing me fall. It is one of the reasons I refused to have a huge wedding for those idiots. When some of them tried to start fights with me on Facebook, I simply deleted them. There is one cousin who is obese and lives at home with his mother at age 40. I know he has negative things to say about me because he knows he is a loser.

 

As adults, we all get to choose who we want in our lives. If you feel left out and condescended to by your cousin, you can avoid them during family events or stay for a short time. You can also refrain from attending these events.