Welcome to PC!!!!

A lot of things can contribute to independence. The 8 years difference in age to your brother was probably more like growing up as an only child. I grew up an only child & became very independent. My dad wasn't gone but he wasn't emotionally capable of really being a dad though I think he wanted to be & my mom was pretty wrapped up in her own self-conscious insecurities & was pretty dysfunctional though she would have never admitted it. Neither of my parents got past high school while I valued education, they didn't so I had to sort things out myself & depend on my own research & decisions. This followed through my life. I still struggle with my independence even though I am now surrounded by friends who really care & are willing to help beyond what I could ever imagine. They have adopted me as family BUT my family was not capable of emotional support or any other support as my friends are now & it is difficult for me (even at 65) to easily accept the support they give so caringly. I sm so thankful for it but it is so different from what I have ever been used to.

I am slowly getting used to the fact that I can depend on others as much as I depended on myself & that there really are caring people out there. The more I venture out the more I see them but I am ALWAYS cautious.