Chapter 1: The Weight of Expectations

In my role as the eldest daughter, I often find myself juggling responsibilities that feel burdensome. Just the other day, I helped my older brother by revising his cover letter and sending it off. After that, I turned my attention to preparing dinner for my siblings, which involved convincing the youngest to take a shower.

Preparing mac and cheese was a quick fix; it cost just $2 at the local discount store and cooked in a mere 10 minutes. It paired nicely with fish sticks and broccoli. With Dad working a few cities away and Mum taking on extra shifts, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of pride in her dedication.

Later that evening, I splurged on a small chocolate bar for my baby brother. On Sundays, most places are closed, leaving only gas stations with exorbitant prices. My bank balance was dismal—barely enough to cover bills. Yet, half of my remaining $10 went towards that chocolate treat, while the rest would fund the next mac and cheese dinner for my siblings.

When my brother inquired why I hadn’t bought myself a treat, I lied, saying I wasn’t into sweets anymore. “Do you wanna taste mine?” he offered. “No, it’s your reward for showering all by yourself,” I replied, giving him a gentle pat on the head as I admired his damp hair.

As we walked home, his small hand nestled in mine, he nibbled on the chocolate, blissfully unaware of my internal struggles. A smudge of chocolate decorated his nose, and I kissed his cheek, realizing it was the only chocolate I would enjoy that month.

The next morning, I allowed myself to sleep in. My hair felt greasy and dusty as I attempted to style it into a ponytail. I stumbled across heaps of dirty uniforms and clean laundry from my last shower. I donned the same outfit I had worn previously, reached for the pack of wet wipes by my bedside, and freshened up, hoping to mask any unpleasant odors.

Since I was closing the café alone, I rationalized that a shower was unnecessary. As I gazed at my reflection, I was alarmed by how unhealthily thin I had become. My clothes clung to me uncomfortably, reminiscent of fish left unattended on a kitchen counter.

I wiped matcha stains from my black jeans, donned sticky shoes from spilled syrup and coffee, and threw on a jacket that provided little warmth. I set out for my 8-hour shift without breakfast, assuring my mother, “There’s food at the café.”

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Section 1.1: Navigating Family Dynamics

In this section, we will explore the intricate dynamics of family roles, especially focusing on how the eldest daughter often bears the weight of familial expectations.

Subsection 1.1.1: The Role of the Eldest Daughter

Chapter 2: The Struggle for Self-Identity

The first video, "Eldest Daughter Syndrome Makes Oldest Siblings Feel The Pain," delves into the emotional struggles faced by eldest daughters and the expectations that weigh heavily on them.

The second video, "8 Signs of Eldest Daughter Syndrome," provides insight into the characteristics that may indicate an eldest daughter is experiencing this syndrome.