hmmm, I have the opposite problem where my family treats me like a distant relative or acquaintance. I always have tried to communicate with my family no matter how nutty they are. It's just my nature, I guess. I call quite frequently and for this my mother tells me all, I mean, ALL of her problems leaving me with not much to say. She does not listen to my problems but I still feel the need to listen to her. I must say I care for them all although they are at times mean and spiteful towards me. I will always care for them. At times they show compassion for me but it's a very rare situation but they do. So, I cling to these memories and experiences and try to forget their idiosyncrasies and accept them as my family. It is sad but like you said others really don't have the time to listen and care for others with problems. Thus, I try to keep communication with my nutty family. They are all I have.