My family thinks I'm an idiot.

My immediate family has been treating me like an idiot or someone who is mentally retarded (no offence), for some reason too. I think it is because I didn't meet their linear expectations to a T. It might also be because I want to do different things with my life and take different career/education paths that they don't agree with. None of it makes any sense... I am trying to better myself but, they keep putting me down and highlighting constantly on my faults. (Etc.) I think that we should use this as fuel to better ourselves and prove them wrong. Pick a person(s) that you would want to make proud. It doesn't have to be a family member. Then when you become a success, you can look back and watch your family wallow in their negativity. Don't allow them to ride on your successes. Don't pity them either. They are dead to you.