<p>I totally agree with icedragon – I, too, was forced into the position of ‘the good child’ because the siblings around me were so emotionally draining on my parents. They just didn’t have any more time to give me, and it was easier for them to push me into the slot of “you don’t need as much time because you’re so good/smart/stable whatever.” So it’s like I was rewarded with less attention because I behaved. There was actually a book written about this a few years back.</p>
<p>I also agree that being under the parental spotlight isn’t always a good thing. You sound like a smart level-headed kid who unfortunately has not gotten the attention you deserve, but one thing you realize as you grow up – your parents (everyone’s parents) are flawed, limited, human beings. They love you, but they aren’t perfect.</p>
<p>The twin thing must make them second guess themselves as parents – same child, same upbringing, same age – one is you, the other one is the difficult unfocused one. Parents beat themselves up about how their kids turn out. Even though they don’t say it, I’m sure they are so proud of you.</p>
<p>Good luck.</p>