(I am a girl) I have two older brothers and we are each two years apart from each other. We are all in our teens and the oldest one is in his first year at college but he's home now. They always gang up on me and make fun of me, but I can't fight them because I am weaker then them. They don't make fun of my appearance or anything, only how dumb I am, which annoys me and when I was younger they made me cry myself to sleep... they are smarter than me but I am in advanced classes so I am not even close to being dumb. How can I stop the torment?

Their behavior is hurtful to you. You are their little sister. If they were really "smart" they would be supportive. They would help you grow up to be "smart" like they are. They sound like a couple of boys. Boys frequently (in my experience) will put a person down when they're not sure what else to do.

Who says that they are smart? IQ tests and even placement in advanced classes indicate the ability to learn. Can they use it? If intelligence can not be shared, with kindness, what use is it? Ego support?

Have you spoken with your parents about their boorish behavior?
They are acting like idiots, so look at it this way, they are pityful, you are not. So smile yourself to sleep.

Poor thing! I went through the same thing with my brothers. If it makes you feel any better my oldest brother and I are very close now (in our 30's), but the brother right above me (1 year apart) still don't get along. I will tell you, the torture they are putting you through now... you will appreciate when you get older. Not only will it give you something to laugh at, but will help you deal with men in your life (it did me). It will make you a stronger woman.

I was always told just to ignore them. That was impossible, so I will not tell you to do that... just live with it for now... that's pretty much all you can do. It is (I believe) an older brother's job to torture their younger sister.

Is testosterone that powerful? I think not. It's a shame when boys do nasty things to their sisters. They should be made accountable for it. Parents and teachers who shrug it off saying. "boys will be boys" are part of the problem. Boys want to impact their world. Being cruel is just one of the wimpy ways to do it.

Your Mom/Dad should stop them dead in their tracks. What they are doing is wrong.

We don't have advanced classes were I live so I don't entirerly know what they are but you obviously know your not stupid. Just do the old trick and ignore them, it works, they'll get bored. Good Luck =]

Happy 711

I find myself taking stock of my life each New Year. I remember over 50 years ago, as a young girl having the same childish squabbles with my two brothers, both younger, but every bit as irritating as yours. That is the way of the adolescent male, to devalue the opponent and, in turn, build themselves up. It's all young male ego and raging hormones. As you all get older, you will find better ways to communicate with one another. I personally find myself missing my brother, Charles who took his own life twelve years ago, and my dear brother, David, a career Navy man who suffers with advanced stage Alzheimer's disease. I wish I could have just one more verbal sparring match with them both. Hang in there, you, too will reflect in 50 or so years. Love to you.

I have tried ignoring them. For about two weeks, I did not say anything to one of my brothers. Not even pass the water or anything. It was too hard because he still talked to me but I didn't answer because he would just make fun of me. I recently reminded him of that and he said it was the best two weeks of his life besides the years I wasn't born. They are also quick thinkers like he said do you want a cookie so I said yea chocolate chip thinking I won. Then I said to him do you want a cookie and he said no because I am not fat like you. And I don't think I am fat which pissed me off.

I have a solution. It works every time.

Be nice to them (i.e. "kill 'em with kindness") and laugh along with them, even to the point of making up jokes about yourself. When they realize they can't get under your skin (real fast -- trust me! ), they will stop with the teasing and torture.

Can you do this? Are you strong enough? (And of course don't tell them what you're up to. It's our little secret.)

Thanks for the help. Much appreciated.

I'm a girl and my brother is 3 years older than me. We argue so much and to be honest I'm not the most... (in telligent person in the family) he thinks he's so smart all the time and makes fun off me. I know how hard it must be for you . You should tell your mother or father ( if you haven't already) try to stand up to them if you make them respect you. My brother normally makes fun of my appearance all the time appearance.. he's really mean to me. Just try to stand up to them because if you do they may appearance you... well all I can say for now... is...

Bye bye x