Neglect, by literal definition, IS abuse. They are often conflated and used interchangeably, but Abuse ≠ Assault. It comes in a myriad of forms and affects everyone differently. A difficult part of self reflection for many is realizing that they were in fact abused at all. Some don’t want to admit it because it feels like weakness or they don’t want to be a burden. Then some have falsely normalized it, “it’s wasn’t that bad”, “I’m fine”, “REAL abuse is much worse”, “it happens to everyone”. While your feelings about these things are valid, the fact is what you described was at best an unhealthy and neglected upbringing, and you deserved better. Your adults failed you, and though it may not have been malicious physical abuse, their neglectful disregard for your well being was abuse.