Always seen as a joke

That is, if I'm even seen at all. It often feels like I'm invisible. It doesn't matter how much I stand up for myself. I'll never actually be respected. I can yell until I lose my voice completely and it would all be for nothing. I express how I feel, I'm ignored. I raise my voice a little (just enough to be heard) and I'm immature. I'm being unreasonable. I'm out of line. It's how things were for me as a kid and it continues regardless of how much I've grown as a person. Family probably won't take me seriously at my own funeral. At least I would have provided folks some good ol' entertainment during my life, though, as they watched me make an utter fool out of myself time after time, hoping to be regarded as a real, meaningful human being and failing miserably as it seemed they all knew I would before I even stepped up to the plate. End of another pathetic, whiny post. Thanks for reading.

I can so relate to this. I feel invisible the majority of the time. People cut me off when I'm speaking as if I wasn't even there. Or just never respond to me. And I'm always being told I'm 'too much': too emotional, too critical, too 'dramatic', too much of a pessimist. I tend to avoid most people as a general rule. It's the only way I manage to stay sane sometimes. It can get lonely but I'd rather spend my time with people who actually care about anything to do with me than with no one. And those people are rare in my life.

I’m sorry you are experiencing this. I don’t see you as a joke or as invisible. Your posts are always encouraging and very helpful. I read your posts and smile. Is it the same people treating you badly? Sending big hugs.

I can relate, as well.

I do hear you I'm just wondering....have you gotten any therapy for this. Being ignored or laughed at and not taken seriously as a child can leave you with problems as an adult.

It's not fair but it is what it is. Until I worked through my issues from my family of origin, I chose relationships with people who did not respect me and abused me. Once I got past that I naturally gravitated towards more kind, supportive and loving friends and husband.

Thanks. Nice to hear you find my posts helpful, that they have a positive effect. Yes to your question. They'll say they hear me, but soon after will start back up again with the same behavior I clearly stated made me feel bad before. Moments of "niceness" often seem dishonest and manipulative. At least I am able to keep my distance the majority of the time.

I appreciate your post. It's good you were able to find people who genuinely care. Glad people treat you better now. I have gone to therapy and have picked up some useful tools. I just wish I was wired completely different sometimes. It feels awful being so emotionally in tune with everything and everyone sometimes. Empath here. I've done some research and have been facing some ugly truths about the dynamics of my family and why I've always felt like an outsider thrown in the mix. Anyway, people are dealing with bigger problems in the world. Thanks for your post.

Sorry to hear you can relate. I respond with genuine care.

Take a look at yourself from another's point of view. Consider what is positive and empower yourself with that. Think about what empowerment means to you. Could it mean being confident? Raising one's voice is not going to work but standing up for yourself will. When cut off tell them you insist on being heard. Try too to be the one initiating conversations. Check your non-verbal communication. Is it perhaps off putting? Are you able to tweak it to be less so. Something as simple as smiling and nodding can go far in being welcomed into the conversation. Showing interest in topics being spoken about ought to make you included too.

Pretty much exactly what I go through. People just like to criticize you no matter what you do.

Join the club. We have gooey deserts. LOL!!!