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Estrangement

When is it time to cut loose from toxic family members?

(33 Posts)
findingmyway Tue 17-Sept-24 17:18:33

Hello everyone,
I have never had a great relationship with my sisters. Oldest one is over a decade older than me, and is my half-sister from my parents previous relationship. There's been a lot of jealousy and sibling rivalry. I can appreciate there's two sides to an argument, but she's said some pretty bad things to me the worst one being that my mum forgot to take the morning after pill when I was conceived. This month I invited her and my other sibling to a prestigious event where I was meant to receive an award. I didn't mind so much if they couldn't make it or not, but I put the olive branch out there. But I've been ignored over the last couple of weeks. I still continue to do the sister/aunt thing of sending cards and gifts to families when there's a birthday and during the christmas period, but I am so depressed about things that I am just thinking of severing connections. My elderly mum is terminally ill, and has offered to have words with them about their behaviour. When is it the right time to cut your losses totally. I have younger family members that I continue to send cards/presents to but I feel like I have been ghosted. Any advice would be good.

Truffle43 Fri 20-Sept-24 17:52:17

I have always been the one to look out for my younger siblings and have helped them in so many ways over the years. I have had a tough two years myself with my health and finding that my son is very ill. I needed a little support maybe just a phone call, but got nothing I was left to get on with it. I am not angry just done. I just cannot be bothered anymore with people who just take. I have not contacted them and I do not intend to. I know this sounds mean but a quick text to say how you doing would of made me feel that one of them cared. No major fallout I just stopped being the one keeping in touch.

Allsorts Fri 20-Sept-24 19:25:58

Truffle, I know what you mean. I do hope your son is improving. It is awful your family not being there for you, their loss. I wish I could send a hug but will send 💐

Smileless2012 Fri 20-Sept-24 20:30:11

It doesn't sound mean Truffle because it isn't. I hope your son will be OK flowers

MercuryQueen Fri 20-Sept-24 20:57:52

I would simply drop the rope. No more invitations, no more effort. If you’re in the same place, basic civility. View them as an unpleasant coworker.

Truffle43 Fri 20-Sept-24 21:54:26

All sorts
Thank you for your kind thoughts. He is doing well at the moment.

Truffle43 Fri 20-Sept-24 21:54:59

Thank you. He is fine just now

Truffle43 Fri 20-Sept-24 21:55:43

Have done.