Why I Feel Old and Forgotten

I guess being the youngest in my family means you get to be treated like everyone's afterthought. Sometimes when we're all hanging out, it feels like no one even remembers that I'm there. My sister texts my parents about plans, my brother just assumes he can make plans without me because, well, I’m still in high school and they probably figure I'll find something to do later. Even at home on the weekends when everyone's around, conversations always seem to go over my head or ignore me completely. It’s like, yes, I'm young, but I have thoughts too! And feelings? Yeah, those are a thing for me too. Don’t get me wrong, I love them and wouldn't change anything about us being a family. But it can be tough when it feels like you’re just the extra piece of furniture that everyone forgets to rearrange around.