Hi Renounced Troglodyte, it's really good that your parents seem to care in some ways
I'm just wondering whether this not listening, having fixed views.........might have come from the way they were raised/their parents???
Maybe they were taught that they had to feel/believe/think..........and they're passing that onto you wherever they can..........or maybe their parents weren't as interested so they're all the more determined to "do right" with/for you............or maybe they're even being "over protective" at times/not seeing that you're grown up enough to have opinions that might be different from theirs but can still be valid???
Still maybe there are times when you just know what they are going to say so perhaps at those times you can get in first with something like "I know.......(whatever they'd say) but..........(and put in an argument for what you think)"?? That way it shows that you have understood and have considered their views but you've also got your own opinion.
And maybe try to throw in a bit more explanation (even evidence!!) as to why you feel/think the way you do about certain things.
I'd say though (by the sounds of it) that there will probably be some things they just aren't going to want to listen to/can't understand/disagree with.........but that can still be OK can't it/can it???........if they're "awesome" in other areas???
Maybe try to talk to them more about things they are supportive with, have them help you with things they are helpful with, do things with them that do feel good.........and for other things, well there will be other people who do "get where you're coming from"/who do understand/who you can talk to..............
And perhaps just a little bit of the same with your brothers??? Find neutral things to talk to them about/to do with them if some things only bring conflict??? Unless it's more complicated than that???
And nothing wrong with limiting your involvement with your brothers if things are just too tense..........just try not to let that impact on the way you feel about yourself, or let them cause you to isolate yourself from others who do understand, hey??!!
And you're right, you've definitely come to a good place to address what's on your mind!! Good to have you with us.
Alison