[Miss P]

Hi I'm reaching out, because I think I need support, please. My family and I have never got on. We decided to part ways, forever. It got made clear to me (now I've chosen the path I have) that there wouldn't be a way back, I'd be on my own.

It's weird, because, in one way, it's a big relief, yet it feels like I'm grieving. I'd be so greatful, for any insights, thoughts, etc...I believe (from the little reading up I have done on this subject) that family estrangement is actually fairly common?

Thanks and care

[RoxanneToto]

I think it’s more common than many people realise - I’ve certainly seen a fair few comments from people who didn’t understand it at all, although thinking about it, they were mostly from narcs who didn’t get why they were being cut out of a relative’s life.
While you’ve never got on with your family, you’re still losing familiar people, maybe people you wanted better relationships with but for whatever reasons it wasn’t working out. There’s more than one relative I would like to estrange myself from, but I still feel a bit guilty and wrong for thinking I’d do it if I could. I dislike hurting people, but sometimes there’s nothing more you can do but walk away.
Do you feel you have a support network around you, could you start building one if not? This is a tough situation to be in, I don’t have too much advice but I wish you well with your future.

[Miss P]

Thanks a lot for support, I have a couple of in real life friends, but, I would love to build on a support network. Imo, I believe (in regard to the family) none of us wanted "this" but, no, it's just a gulf that built up for many years, and now, estrangement does seem the best option. I know this probably don't make a lot of sense, guess really, I'd like to hear from others, who know of this situation, and can offer advice, etc, on any aspect of this subject, thanks x