DEAR ABBY: Being the least favorite is hurtful, yet my mom makes sure to convey how much she hates me every chance she gets. Mind you, she would never say that in front of my dad or my sisters. She says it standing behind me, rubbing it in. My sisters get text messages from her telling them how much she misses them. Me? I get comments like "I wish you were never born." I have tried hard to please her, but nothing has worked. Sadly, my youngest sister is rude and hates me, too. Please advise. -- UNLOVED IN TENNESSEE

DEAR UNLOVED: Unfortunately, we cannot pick our parents. Your mother's behavior is more than a little toxic, and now it has rubbed off on your little sister. This is why I am suggesting you see as little of your mother and younger sister as possible.

If you must see them, spend as little time alone with either of them as possible. Start developing relationships with people who are caring and supportive. Many people form "chosen families" when they come from families that are as dysfunctional as yours.

Dear Abby is written by Abigail Van Buren, also known as Jeanne Phillips, and was founded by her mother, Pauline Phillips. Contact Dear Abby at www.DearAbby.com or P.O. Box 69440, Los Angeles, CA 90069.