So... lets break this down. I talked in my post about a pattern I have noticed throughout my life. I understand that a lot of these things are petty and not a big deal now, but at the time they felt hurtful... almost like they trusted my brothers more than me, or they were stricter with me because I was the only daughter. I am only giving examples from my youth as context for the most recent situation. I don't have any problem with my younger brother and I want good things for him, it is the decisions of my parents to treat him differently (and what seemed preferentially) from my perspective that always bothered me. Life is unfair, true, and that is why I am trying to find a good way to deal with this family issue. But sibling rivalry is so instinctual and feeling like the least favorite child (even at 23) still sucks and kind of stings. To address your last point, yes, I still think the decision to invite all SO's on this trip doesn't make sense. You act like "seniority" or more time in a relationship means nothing... but I mean... it kind of does. It is almost like a "promotion" in the family.. now my SO gets promoted to family trip material, after working for 9 years towards this goal! We are also engaged which steps the relationship to the next level. The older brother is kind of irrelevent here, he has never fought for him on and off girlfriend to come on trips so this clearly isn't an issue he cares that much about, but he is 26 so I don't care that he is treated a little differently. But why should the younger brother be handed this "promotion" without working for it or even asking for it? If you truly don't see how I could feel a little frustrated in this situation, that is fine, you are clearly in the same boat as my parents and I will respect that opinion lol. I am just trying to find a way to come to terms with the issue so I can stop feeling hurt and upset every time this happens.