I (mid-20s) recently got accepted into multiple PhD programs, which I’m really excited about. It’s a big step for me, and I worked hard to get here. But my cousin (mid-40s), who’s a stay-at-home mom in rural Appalachia, has been acting kind of weird about it, and I’m starting to wonder if she’s trying to compete with me or undermine my achievement.For context, my cousin has a non-thesis terminal master’s degree, which she’s super proud of. Where she lives, a lot of people—about half—didn’t finish high school, so her degree makes her one of the most educated people in her community. She’s always been the “smart one” in our family, especially since she’s 20 years older than me and was the most educated person in our immediate and extended family until now. I’ve always respected her for that, and I’ve never tried to challenge her or anything. Here’s the issue: when I told her about my PhD acceptances, she kept saying stuff like, “Oh, you got in during the easiest time because they don’t require the GRE anymore.” She acts like PhD programs are basically open admissions now, with 100% acceptance rates, just because some departments waived the GRE. It’s like she’s implying my achievement isn’t a big deal because “anyone can get in.” It stings, especially since I worked my butt off on my applications, research experience, and personal statements. PhD programs are still super selective, and I know the GRE thing doesn’t mean they’re just letting everyone in.I’m starting to suspect she’s saying this because my acceptances might have struck a nerve. I think she liked being the most educated person in the family, and now that I’m pursuing a PhD, she’s trying to downplay it to feel better about herself. I don’t want to assume the worst, but it’s hard not to feel like she’s competing with me or trying to take me down a peg. I haven’t called her out on it because I don’t want to start drama, but it’s been bugging me. AITAH for thinking she’s acting this way because she’s jealous or competing with me? Or am I reading too much into her comments?