I'm hoping someone here can offer some guidance. I'm 28 years old, and the younger of two children in my family. My older sister has a great relationship with my father - it's easy for them to relate to each other and they get along great.

Anyway - my father is not an emotional person - I have never been close with him. We get along great and have a lot in common, but for some reason I've always been intimidated by him. He's a bit anti-social, but is very successful and quite well-respected in the community. I, on the other hand, am an emotional and very social person. I would love to tell my father how much I love him and how much I look up to him, but can never find the right time... or words.

I desperately want to have a close relationship with him. For some reason though, I can't even talk to him on the PHONE without feeling anxious, awkward, and uncomfortable. Those are the best ways I can describe it... "awkward" and "intimidated".

Any suggestions on how to connect with him in a way that won't be uncomfortable for him (not emotional), while still allowing me (emotional) to be honest and open, without crying and embarrassing us both?