Parents treat my sibling better than me

I moved closer to my family, hoping for more connection, but all I got was a front-row seat to how differently they treat me compared to my siblings.

I’ve never posted about this before, but I’m feeling really alone with it and just need to get it out. Has anyone else here felt like the "less loved" child in their family, no matter how old you are?

The difference in how my parents treat me and my sibling has been obvious for years. It’s not about money or big dramatic moments—it’s the little things, day after day, that wear me down. The constant emotional distance. The way they share everything with my sibling but keep me at arm’s length. The way they want to know every detail of my life, but keep their own lives—and my sibling’s—totally private. It’s like they want full access to me but I’m not allowed in their world.

And the worst part? I made it worse by moving closer. I thought it would bring us closer together, help build a stronger bond. Instead, it just made the difference more obvious. Now I see how often they visit my sibling, how warmly they talk to them, how included they are in everything. Meanwhile, I hear from them when they need something—help with tech, a ride, whatever—and I always show up. Every time. But if I don't reach out, days or even weeks go by and we don't speak, even though we live so close.

I’m lucky in one huge way: I have an incredible husband who sees it all clearly and supports me 100%. He keeps telling me to let go of the hope for something different, and to stop pouring energy into people who only reach out when they need something. He says I should invest my time in people who want me around, not just use me when it’s convenient. And he’s right. But that doesn’t make it hurt less.

I don’t want to cut them off. I still care. I still hope for a real relationship. But I also know I can’t keep hoping for something they’re clearly not able—or willing—to give. I just want to protect my peace without walking away completely.

How do you make peace with this kind of imbalance? How do you stop hoping for a different version of your parents? I’m open to any advice or experiences. Just want to know I’m not the only one feeling like this.