I understand your frustration, Emily Fox Seaton. I'm so sorry you and your family are going through all of these health issues I don't believe you "have" to have a special relationship with them if you don't want to. Of course you have every right to live your own life. I believe simply saying a polite "I'm so sorry for your situation and for how you're feeling" should be enough if they're acquaintances that you don't usually speak to too much. I'd suggest to talk to your sister about this and see how it goes from there. Maybe that could help. Tell her that you'd prefer not to be constantely updated on everyone's situation, especially if you don't really know them personally. Hopefully she'll understand. Either way, like I've said, you don't have to engage with them if you don't want to. Even simply saying that you're so sorry for what they're going through should be enough. That's just my opinion though. The final decision is up to you. Of course there are some people we're gonna have a stronger relationship with compared to others. That's perfectly normal! It doesn't mean that you're a bad person, as long as you're kind and respectful to everyone of course. But of course, health issues are going to have a different impact on everyone. It depends on the person. It also depends on how bad it is exactly. Health issues can still be treated! I hope you'll be able to sort things out with your sister and your family! Let us know how it goes. Sending many hugs to you, Emily Fox Seaton