Is anyone else the black sheep of their family?

[FurrySlipperBoots]

I'm living with my parents right now while I'm looking for my next nanny job, and it's bringing home to me how very different we are. They're high flying Oxbridge graduates. They're into classic literature, foreign languages, great art, botany, classical music and politics. I'm into looking after children, snuggling bunny rabbits, visiting waterparks, eating icecream, playing computer games and slobbing out in front of sitcoms. To be honest I'm the thick side of average intelligence, and never went to university, which I know bothers them. I'm alright with who I am but I wish that we had more in common. My brain goes numb when they're getting passionate about their interests, and I see their eyes glaze over if I try and strike up a conversation about anything more relative to mine. We do have a close relationship generally but as I'm spending so much time with them at the moment I am struggling with the lack of common ground.

Anyone else know what I mean?

I know what you mean but I think my family is the opposite away around tbh. But it's better to look at what unites you rather than what separates you.

Yes I think I probably am. I hold quite different views and values to my family, and limit time with them because it's just not easy.

any adult back living with their parents are going to feel as you do OP. I wouldn't start extrapolating it to differences - it is just what it is. I loved my parents and had a lot in common with them but would still feel like you do "how very different we are"

Don't stress too much about it. Just because you don't get them and they don't get you doesn't mean you are a black sheep. You are probably more a usual sheep - we all want to get away from our parents.

why do you think your parents and you should share that much? You are different people - why should you have so much common ground other than love for common people. I wonder if your expectations of family are unrealistic.

Sadly, yes. I am also the family failure. Double joy!

Well well done for them for raising you to have your own interests and passions. They have done their job.

I very much doubt you are the "thick side of average intelligence". You are comparing yourself to two unusual people. Are you an only child? It seems surprising you don't share some of your parents' interests, if you were surrounded by classical music etc as a child?
However, you are doing one of the most valuable jobs in the world, looking after young children. I hope your parents are proud of you. Although we naturally celebrate our children's achievements I am most proud that mine are honest and hard-working and decent members of society

I'm the black sheep because I'm "weird", or so I'm told.