Imagine having a job you couldnt quit.
Then, like me, you might haveeldest-daughter syndrome; congratulations on losing the birth-order lottery!
Or, as another woman put it, Are u OK or are u the eldest daughter?
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I have two younger sisters who are also twins, yet I still cant get a diagnosis.
When I was drinking my first Alcopops and going on dates, they were still playing with dolls.
I was acutely aware that my parents tended to be stricter with me.
You have ambition and drive, but are never satisfied with what you achieve.
You struggle to enjoy what you already have.
Youre extremely diligent but rarely feel rewarded for it.
You venture to control situations before theyve even started to go downhill.
Now, try being an eldest daughterandaCapricorn: see my problem?
Of course, not every eldest daughter feels this way.
A pattern had been set and it was hard to break.
Many eldest daughters complain that their birth position meant their childhood was essentially stolen from them.
Who wouldnt do the same?
Once that responsibility has been put on your shoulders, its hard to hand it over to anyone else.
Maybe theyd claim that our parents werent focused on them enough?
Plus, the uncomfortable truth is that part of me loved it.
Being called a good girl?
Being praised for being a big help and no trouble?
I find it hard to fail and hate giving up.
And Im sure its not a coincidence that many of my friends are eldest daughters, too.
We sufferers have to stick together.
After all, who else will understand us?
