Thanksgiving morning I arrived at the restaurant where my family had reservations for dinner. Some of the party had already arrived and were sitting in the lobby area. I hung up my coat and went to join them.

Several family members who I have just about no relationship with (aunt, uncle, 2 cousins) all got up to greet me and give me a hug. My brother on the other hand (who I also have just about no relationship with) sat drinking his beer and gave me no acknowledgement.

Although this was not surprising behavior from him, it was still hurtful.

My brother is 6 years younger than I am. Like I said, we have no relationship so it's not good or bad. It just doesn't exist. When he was 12 and I 18 I moved out to attend college, so I feel like I have missed most of his life. From my point of view, he went from diapers to driving overnight. It still doesn't feel right for me to see him driving or legally drinking a beer.

Our lack of relationship used to bother me quite a bit. I was constantly making efforts to reach out to him but never received much of a response. Eventually I just decided the ball is in his court. If he wants a sister he can come get me. So I don't spend hours worrying about him anymore, but when a bunch of other people I barely know greet me with a hug and my own brother doesn't it still hurts.