Beauflow, maybe you could see if there is a group in your area that is learning DBT.
I have to get to that myself too. You struggle a lot with deep internal challenges of not being heard or validated and a lot of that is due to your family "dysfunction" and you have not had the right "mentor" to help you find a balance or internal guide that helps you to have a wise mind and be "less stressed" when others around you are not recognizing you in some way.

Unfortunately beauflow, we get so many "negative" messages when we are growing up in dysfunction that often we do not realize the "depth" of our confusion and stresses. I struggle with that myself, especially right now that I am trying to figure out "how" to help my parents and yet work around my extremely controlling and "dramatic" older sister.

You and I have a lot in common because we are both the "youngest" child growing up in a dysfunctional environment. Many of the challenges you have really "resonate" with me. That's why I feel that a DBT therapy group will really help you keep your inner "stresses" at bay so you can slowly develop responses where you "know" you did the "healthy" thing and that if others do not "receive you" and respect you, that is "their dysfunction" and not "yours".

((Hugs))
OE