Bibi

I am a 22 year old college student right now in a rigorous program that requires a lot of my time and energy. I also work two jobs. My parents are foreigners and just don't seem to understand that I am doing a lot and that education is very important to me. I will be the first in my family to get a bachelors degree and a masters. My older siblings work jobs that don't require a degree so they also don't understand why I'm choosing a more difficult path in life. In between all this I don't have a lot of time to be with my family and even when I am, all we do is argue or I just isolate myself from them. Something I am lacking even though I am striving for a better life is just love. Again because my parents came from a difficult background, they don't show love the way I need it. They both are anxiety ridden and completely obsessed with their reputation and how others perceive them. I just don't agree with this at all. I have a really good relationship with my sister but it is not enough. I just want my parents approval and love. I have a few friends that I love and they love me but again it is not enough. A romantic relationship may fill this void but I don't want to rely on this. What do you guys suggest on dealing with parents that are more on the "cold" side? especially my step-father. It leaves me feeling empty and lonely at times. I feel like if my parents loved me more I wouldn't be seeking it from other people. I get a bit jealous when I hear or see other people with such good relationships with their parents.