Most of my life, my dad prevented my mom and I from seeing relatives on my moms side. He would make mom feel guilty for wanting to be with them on occasions, instead of being with him. I've never talked about this much. But I remember him backtalking about them quite a bit. His way of getting control of her once again. Now that I am not around him , I have stepped up in a way to try to see if there is anything to repair, or gain from contacting them. I've started by contacting them on a social networking site.And 3 of my second cousins who are practically around my age, followed thru in accepting me. Relief, I was scared because of not taking rejection well yet again. But now, I dont know what to say to them, or anything. About the only time we did get to see them was briefly on Christmas Eve afternoon when they came to our house. Mom was one of my cousins Godmother, so the cousin brought her a gift. And then when they graduated we were invited to the parties too. I did enjoy seeing them. But I feel that my dad has polluted my mind so much about how to think of them, I cant seem to figure out how to get away from that and find a new starting point. I feel like I need to apologize for his actions.. and mine too for not trying to have my own opinions sooner than this. I am usually very social, but this has just got me frazzled big time. Help.... please?!?!