The black sheep of the family is the outcast, seen as different, written off. At best, they're playfully teased; at worst, they're rejected. The more they're ridiculed, the less likely they are to open up and share things about themselves. The less they share, the more of an outcast they become.

WHY DOES THIS HAPPEN? 

Childhood emotional neglect (intentional or accidental) can cause people to shut down from an early age. Children who get the message that their needs aren't important often become adults who try to "do it all" themselves.

Think about how your caregivers responded if you expressed a need. What was the response if you expressed sadness, fear, enthusiasm, excitement, pride, disappointment, or anger? 

How likely are you to express each of those feelings now, as an adult? Have you learned to be vulnerable? Or do you put up walls to protect yourself? Are you bashful about showing pride in yourself? 

There's nothing wrong with wanting to be independent - but when you feel like you have no other choice, it can cause feelings of depression or anxiety to build up.

ARE YOU THE BLACK SHEEP OF YOUR FAMILY?

It starts small. You hide seemingly minor things about yourself. 

Your family doesn't need to hear about (much less meet) the new person you're dating. Plus, they just happen to be from a different culture. Definitely not bringing them to Sunday dinner.