[tiodlliwi]

I am really upset by some things going on in my family. I have always been "close" with my immediate family but now that I am older, I am realizing that we really don't know each other all that much and do not truly communicate. Everyone has started their own families now so perhaps that is common?

Anyways, I also have recently become aware of the fact that neither of my parents keep in much contact (if any) with their siblings. And any time that others have drama, they push them away. So, now they are all each other has and, I think, prefer it that way.

However, a recent family party (for my aunt) has come up and because of past history with her own family (divorce, drama, etc) my mom is refusing to go. My first instinct was not to go either because it is far away and I am not really close with them and they are a wild bunch. So now my Gram is convinced that the family is falling apart because none of us get together or talk all that much anymore (like we did when we always got together when we were little).

So I am torn because while I don't want to feel like I have to go, I am concerned to watch my mom be so introverted and not want to associate with her own family. And then I start to wonder if that is what is happening with my own immediate family. I rarely talk to or see my brothers but we are all so busy- we try to do family dinners about once a month. But I don't know what to think. Is this the way of family once we get older and become adults?

I don't know if I should mention my concerns to my mom and let her knwo that I am worried about her and our family relations or just try harder myself? But then again, we don't really have that sort of open communication between the two of us so it would be akward and would only make her more uncomfortable.

[TEAFORTWO]

Tiodlliwi,

I know how you feel. I swear my mom doesn't even know my phone number. Most of our contact is on my effort. But I love her company and I'm trying to set a good example for my kids. I hope I don't fall in her same foot steps when my kids get older.
I'm going to give you the same advise I give my kids - You can't always do what you want to do; sometimes you have to do what is right (If it is with in your means). When attending family events I dread going, but when it's over I end up having a great time. From your post it seems like you spent alot of time with your family when you were little and it is wonderful to share those good memories with them. I love for my kids to hear those memories too.
I wish you the best as you make this decision.

I know God only gives me what I can handle, I just wish he didn't trust me so much. - Mother Theresa

[Wants2Fly]

I don't have much family connection, and I have built a solid support circle, so I feel rather alone in life.

I think it will be worthwhile to make an effort to maintain family relations, especially for your children's sake.

[lexee]

I have a question: I am new to this so please be understanding; I have a 17 year old son who is a popular football player in higschool he typically dates actractive ,well educated girls-But never anyone TOO serious. Well, recently he met a girl on "My Space" who goes to a different high school and he has gone out with her 3 times. I finally met her today and she is not anything that I would exspect him to like. I feel she is BAD NEWS!! I know later tonight when he gets home, he will ask me what I think about her and I want to be honest...Should I be painfully honest with my 17 year old son??? I want to tell him to end this thing with her NOW!!! I feel she is POISON!! Please Help