AITA for dissappearing on my family after years of being a typical ignored middle child and called "selfish"?
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I (18F) have always had a complicated place in my family. I’m the middle child, sandwiched between an older sister (22) and a younger brother (9). Before my brother was born, I was very close to my mom, but my dad and his parents essentially ignored me or treated me like a mistake because they wanted a boy. My parents' relationship has always been volatile and abusive, which left me with a lot of trauma and panic attacks whenever they fight.
Once my brother was born, everything changed. I became the "invisible" middle child. My parents transitioned their focus to my sister and brother, and I grew distant from my mom. I spent years fighting with everyone just trying to fit in.
Over the last four years, I’ve turned my life around academically. I used to struggle, but now I’m at the top of my class. My parents have started boasting about my grades to relatives, taking credit for my "success" even though I did the work. They are also putting a lot of pressure on me to get into a specific university that my sister didn't get into.
Despite the academic praise, they constantly call me "selfish" because I’m an introvert and prefer staying in my room. They think my need for space is a lack of love for them.
I decided this year that I wanted to try mending our relationship. Today, I saw my dad in the living room and went to give him a genuine hug. He didn't hug me back. Instead, he asked, "What do you need? You’re selfish. I know you only hug me when you want money or something to buy."
That comment completely broke me. I wasn't asking for anything; I just wanted to feel like his daughter for five seconds. I’ve decided to give them the silent treatment for the foreseeable future. I’m tired of being the "selfish" one while I’m simultaneously being used as their trophy child for my grades.
Am I wrong for giving them the silent treatment, or is it time to just stop trying until I can move out for university?