I grew up in dysfunctional family. There was no physical or sexual abuse to my knowledge, but communication failure and emotional neglect did exist to some extent. I couldn't wait to get away from home as I found my parents to be overbearing and controlling. If I wanted to grow up, I had to get away.

I went so far that I moved to a different continent and also made sure that I "burned my bridges" so there was no easy way for me to return. I also cut most ties with my family back home. I haven't been back home in several years and I talk to my parents once or twice a year and only for a few minutes. I know that they want more contact and they have asked me to come home for a visit. They email and text me once a month, but I usually never respond.

I guess that I'm a bad son who neglect his parents needs. I just have no desire to talk to them. I do not hate them. They are decent people despite their flaws. I also find them reasonable tolerable and I wouldn't have any problems hanging out with them if I had to. I just can't muster up the energy required for me to reconnect with them and travel home for a visit. I would be fine seeing them for a few days, but I would also be perfectly fine with not seeing them again in this lifetime.

I know they are my parents, but for at least a decade I have had closer relationships with random Facebook acquaintances than I have had with my parent. I'm not sure where I'm going with my ramblings, I guess that I want to know if my attitudes and behavior toward my parents is a sign of me lacking empathy and that I should be concerned about my emotional detachment to them.