I was diagnosed this year at 28 years old, but always known that something wasn’t typical about me. When I got my diagnosis I was so excited to share it with my family as we are all very close, and I felt like for the first time in my life I was actually starting to accept and understand who I am.
Today I found out that my cousin who I have cherished and loved for all her 18 years of life, has been mocking me at home to her parents. She has also been lying to make it sound like she was mocking me to my face whilst we were on holiday in the summer (a trip I organised for her birthday may I add).
I already really struggle with how people perceive me, and how “odd” I portray myself to be. Finding this out has absolutely broken my heart. I have never been bullied (luckily) and the thought that my own family would try and bully me behind my back feels like such a betrayal.
I now don’t know what to do. I’m hurt and also incredibly embarrassed. It’s making me second guess myself and the decision to stop masking, and it’s making me so so sad to think that someone I love so unconditionally could be so cruel.
Does anyone have any advice on how to deal with all of this?
