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Post by artgirl1 on Aug 30, 2018 22:44:20 GMT
I feel some guilt over a decision I made, and need some outside perception on my choice.
Back story, (and it could get long) my 3 siblings and I have never been close, for various reasons but we have maintained a civil relationship. I always maintained contact and connection even though I was the one responsible (fully, 100%) for our mother during her last ten years, with no help from any of them (emotionally, financially, physically). One lives in the same town as I do, two others in bordering states (within a 4 hour drive). I have always acknowledged their birthdays, anniversaries, etc, with a card and gifts for their kids. I have driven to the other states for major events, (first proms, sports events, weddings, baby showers etc). My one nephew has 3 kids now and each child gets a big birthday party that I attend with a gift each year. One niece has 2 kids, and I drove out of state for the baby shower, and the 1st birthday party.
I have a daughter who attended grad school in Chicago and my sister, who lives 20 minutes outside the city, couldn't be bothered to go to her graduation. In fact, not once in the 4 years she lived there, was my daughter invited to her home for a day. None of my siblings went to her wedding in Chicago. My DD now lives in NYC, and with my one grandchild. She comes home for a long weekend or week twice a year. For last 7 visits, my brother here in town, and my SIL have not seen her,and my grandson (despite my invitation). The out of state siblings have never seen my 4 1/2 year GS. None of them have acknowledged her birthday since she was 16, and never any gift for my grandson. My sister said she would be in state for their visit this summer and would come visit. She, of course, didn't.
In January I had a major heart attack and quad bypass, and several complications after. I was hospitalized for 37 days, home for a week, then back in hospital for a week for complications. My local brother came to see me twice. My SIL called once. (Although when she had knee surgery I took her to therapy every day for 6 weeks.) While I was recuperating at home, no phone calls, visits, no offer to drive me to Dr. etc. It was my friends that took care of me (one who was undergoing chemo, one who flew up from FL, stayed with me, then took me to FL for a week, then flew me back, and one who was with me every day in the hospital and after, and who cleaned my house, and changed my sheets and chauffeured me everyplace for the 2 months I could not drive. I am so lucky to have these warriors in my life.
My sister called twice, but although her in-laws live an hour away, and she was in state several times, didn't detour to visit me. She now has a vacation home in my state, and she is there every weekend this summer, and has never detoured to visit me. I did go to her birthday party at her vacation home early in the summer. (Although my first thought was not to. You know make the same effort to see her, that she made to see me). It exhausted me. I am only running at 50% yet. And despite her lip service, I have not heard from her since.
So I made the decision to just back off on the efforts to maintain contact with my siblings. My first action on this was to skip the nephews one child's birthday party. I got a phone call from my SIL asking why I neglected to show up for the birthday party and should she stop by to pick up the gift (I know, shocking isn't it?). I was at a Dr Appt, and told her I would call back. Do I keep the peace and say, that I am still on limited activity ( which I am, I can only handle one thing a day), or do I tell her, I am tired of being stepped on? Do I maintain the middle child peacemaker role, or do I say 'I am done with everyone's selfishness'.
As I read this over, it sounds like a pity party, but really the question is 'Should I just step away from my siblings' or should I just tip toe around the issue, that I feel that they have hurt, disappointed and insulted me with their self absorption.
And for the record, they are all retired, as are their spouses and all their kids are adults. I still work part-time . And just to compare, I was widowed at 31, and raised my daughter alone, and of the 7 grandkids between us, only my DD has a College degree, and Masters. So I rather think think my DD should be acknowledged in some way. And that sounds petty too, but I think it affects my thought on this matter.
So what say the wise peas?
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Post by kelbel827 on Aug 30, 2018 22:51:52 GMT
I say screw them all. You live your life for you. Celebrate your friends and your daughter and her family. If the others want you, they know where to find you. If not, time wasted on you and not them.
Good luck.
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Post by 950nancy on Aug 30, 2018 22:52:34 GMT
In my opinion, you should back off. It is causing you grief to be treated the way you are being treated, so why would you continue to put yourself out there? If the family couldn't be bothered to help out with mom when she was alive, that says it all. You don't need to make an announcement, just say that you cannot make it and do not have a gift. If you are pressed, you say that you are no longer providing gifts for extended family. Good luck, sounds like they will continue to treat you poorly for as long as you let them.
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AllieC
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 3,057
Jul 4, 2014 6:57:02 GMT
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Post by AllieC on Aug 30, 2018 22:53:08 GMT
I often feel some of the posts in here about their expectations of their siblings etc are over the top but I totally validate you here.
It sounds like you are doing all of the work to maintain the relationships and have done way more than most in buying gifts for great nephews etc.
I guess the thing I would be asking myself is - am I getting anything out of the relationship? Even taking gifts etc out of the equation they haven’t given you any support when you’ve really needed it.
Think about whether you and your daughter would be ok if you push back and lose contact all together. If you are, I would text back and say that you are still on limited activity however you have made the decision to stop giving gifts to any family from now in. Asking to stop by to pick up a gift is so rude!
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Post by Bitchy Rich on Aug 30, 2018 22:53:39 GMT
Your siblings don't send any gifts to your daughter, but your SIL wants to pick up the gift for your nephew's child's birthday? HA HA HA. I would just say there isn't one to pick up. Then wait to see what she says.
Reading the above, I am amazed that you continued to give and give and give when you got nothing in return. It doesn't sound like a pity party, it sounds like a one sided relationship. Seems like your energy would be better spent on others.
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gsquaredmom
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 4,078
Jun 26, 2014 17:43:22 GMT
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Post by gsquaredmom on Aug 30, 2018 22:53:56 GMT
If these were not family, I would say they are not that into you, but I will say it even though it is family. They are jst not that into you. they are not willing to invest social capital in you.
Stop reaching out. They are taking you for granted. Stop and see if they will reach out. If not, you will confirm they assume you will always show up, give, etc.
Just say no thank you to offers of picking up gifts.
Do they stand to inherit any of your estate? Cut them out.
Cultivate your non related friends. They are your family.
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Post by myshelly on Aug 30, 2018 22:54:24 GMT
I don’t think there’s anything wrong with not maintaining a relationship with people who don’t treat you the way you want to be treated.
However.
Do you want a relationship with your nephews? Your relationship with your nephew is different than and separate from your relationship with your sibling. Don’t give up a relationship with your nephew to punish a sibling. Stop keeping score in the niece/nephew department.
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PrettyInPeank
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 4,691
Jun 25, 2014 21:31:58 GMT
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Post by PrettyInPeank on Aug 30, 2018 22:55:15 GMT
I wouldn't explain why you didn't go. They'll figure it out later when you stop going to other things. At that time I'd go ahead and have a real discussion.
But for now, I would text, "Yeah I didn't buy a gift, hope his party was everything he had hoped for." Edit: resist the temptationton to say sorry in any form. You have nothing to be sorry for.
Has anyone read the book "Boundaries?" Does it give advice on how to answer the people who push back at your boundaries you've placed? If so, buy the book!
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cycworker
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 4,375
Jun 26, 2014 0:42:38 GMT
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Post by cycworker on Aug 30, 2018 23:01:53 GMT
So I made the decision to just back off on the efforts to maintain contact with my siblings. My first action on this was to skip the nephews one child's birthday party. I got a phone call from my SIL asking why I neglected to show up for the birthday party and should she stop by to pick up the gift (I know, shocking isn't it?). I was at a Dr Appt, and told her I would call back. Do I keep the peace and say, that I am still on limited activity ( which I am, I can only handle one thing a day), or do I tell her, I am tired of being stepped on? Do I maintain the middle child peacemaker role, or do I say 'I am done with everyone's selfishness'. I think you did the right thing, overall. I would tell your sister in law the truth. I'd tell her you're still on activity, AND, truthfully, you're hurt by the feeling that your relationship is one sided. I think you need to talk it out & try to repair the relationships. They're your family.
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Post by LilyRose on Aug 30, 2018 23:03:25 GMT
Wow, how disheartening that must all be. To the SIL that questioned why you didn’t attend your nephew’s child’s birthday party, I might be tempted to say something along the lines of, “I’ve been reassessing the relationships in my life, and I’ve decided to put my energy into the relationships with people who are there for me/support me”.
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Post by leslie132 on Aug 30, 2018 23:23:59 GMT
Wow, how disheartening that must all be. To the SIL that questioned why you didn’t attend your nephew’s child’s birthday party, I might be tempted to say something along the lines of, “I’ve been reassessing the relationships in my life, and I’ve decided to put my energy into the relationships with people who are there for me/support me”. I completely agree with this. While I love my family, I have come to realize that they love back, but not at the degree I do. So a I follow their lead and now have less hurt feelings. I also have wonderfully supportive friends that I thank God for daily. They’re who I want to spend time with. We give each other support and love.....it’s amazing to be in a healthy relationship! Don’t let this eat at you..... they expect you to do these things because you always have. Maybe by being honest and backing off they will examine their own behavior. I wouldn’t hold my breath, but I would be content and proud to finally stand up for myself.
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inkedup
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 4,837
Jun 26, 2014 5:00:26 GMT
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Post by inkedup on Aug 30, 2018 23:29:24 GMT
Just be honest.
"My heart attack changed my perspective on life. It's too short to spend energy and love that aren't reciprocated. I choose to focus my energy, time and money on those to whom I am also a priority."
I'm sorry your family hasn't reciprocated your thoughtfulness and love over the years. I'd be hurt and resentful, too.
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Post by christine58 on Aug 30, 2018 23:35:34 GMT
So what say the wise peas? Stop everything you've done..gifts etc. I'd be telling them why also. Tell them everything you told us. They are selfish...walk away... Take care of you and your health.
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Post by papercrafteradvocate on Aug 30, 2018 23:49:13 GMT
I say screw them all. You live your life for you. Celebrate your friends and your daughter and her family. If the others want you, they know where to find you. If not, time wasted on you and not them. Good luck. Fuck them. You deserve so much better. I wouldn’t bother calling her back. (Or then at all). Sounds like you have fantastic friends!! Make them your family.
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Post by mygigiscraps on Aug 30, 2018 23:49:18 GMT
It took me a very long time to realize that DNA doesn't make a family. Those people are not family to you. They are relatives. Let go of your guilt and focus on the more positive relationships in your life.
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scrapngranny
Pearl Clutcher
Only slightly senile
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Jun 25, 2014 23:21:30 GMT
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Post by scrapngranny on Aug 30, 2018 23:50:20 GMT
I don’t have any siblings, so I might not be the right person to answer this.
Discounting the lack reciprocal visits, gifts and lending a hands, do you enjoy seeing these people? If not, the answer is pretty obvious. Start declining invites you really aren’t interested in attending and slash the cards and gifts down those really want to send.
If you enjoy getting together with extended family, just be selective and only attend the events you really want to go to.
I always thought I wanted a sister, but I’ve learned it is not always the rosy situation I envisioned.
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Deleted
Posts: 0
May 12, 2024 15:06:43 GMT
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Post by Deleted on Aug 30, 2018 23:54:17 GMT
What the ever loving hell?
You do not need these people.
Delete their numbers and block them from calling.
Btw , I don’t think you need a relationship with your newphew either, give that time and money to your grandchild! .
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finaledition
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 4,896
Jun 26, 2014 0:30:34 GMT
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Post by finaledition on Aug 30, 2018 23:55:09 GMT
Stop everything. If they ask about it, respond honestly. Otherwise I would continue to invest my time and love in the friends you have. They have proven to be keepers and I'd do everything to maintain those friendships.
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Post by annabella on Aug 31, 2018 0:02:56 GMT
You should send your OP in an email to all of them. The SIL who you drove to therapy for 6 weeks, you need to break it down for her. I’d stop calling them, when they call about invites just say sorry you can’t make it. See if a year goes by before someone decided to show up at your door to see you. If you call back the SIL tell her You’re really hurt about how she treated you and that she can only be bothered to see you to pick up a gift.
The sister in Chicago is strange, but I don’t know her relationship with your daughter.
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scrappinmama
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Jun 26, 2014 12:54:09 GMT
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Post by scrappinmama on Aug 31, 2018 0:13:23 GMT
I agree with everyone. Stop calling. When they ask why, tell them that it seems like a one sided relationship.
I'm sorry they don't value you as family. You deserve better. Focus on those who really do value you.
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Post by bc2ca on Aug 31, 2018 0:17:43 GMT
I don’t have any siblings, so I might not be the right person to answer this. Discounting the lack reciprocal visits, gifts and lending a hands, do you enjoy seeing these people? If not, the answer is pretty obvious. Start declining invites you really aren’t interested in attending and slash the cards and gifts down those really want to send. If you enjoy getting together with extended family, just be selective and only attend the events you really want to go to.
I always thought I wanted a sister, but I’ve learned it is not always the rosy situation I envisioned. DH and I have learned which siblings to make an effort to see and which aren't worth our time & energy.
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PLurker
Prolific Pea
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Jun 28, 2014 3:48:49 GMT
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Post by PLurker on Aug 31, 2018 0:23:10 GMT
artgirl1 read your OP back to yourself. This time pretending someone else wrote it. There's your answer. The efforts are obviously one sided. Live for you. Hugs
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Deleted
Posts: 0
May 12, 2024 15:06:43 GMT
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Post by Deleted on Aug 31, 2018 0:24:59 GMT
If your nieces and nephews haven't acknowledged you now that they are adults with children of their own, then it's okay to stop the gift giving. And, since your siblings don't bother to make time for your or your family, then it's okay to back away. If anyone questions, you should be honest and say that you have limited energy and that you'd rather use that on your DD and DGD.
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Post by auntkelly on Aug 31, 2018 0:49:07 GMT
If it were me, I wouldn't necessarily cut ties completely with them, but I would quietly back away from them. They are never, ever going to see things from your point of view, so I wouldn't bother having a big confrontation w/ them. I'd send them a card at Christmastime and call it good.
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Post by femalebusiness on Aug 31, 2018 1:07:05 GMT
I'd tell them all that I got close to those pearly gates and decided I wasn't doing anything anymore that I didn't want to do. Then read them your vent above.
Some people just don't care about keeping up relationships and for those you should just drop the rope. But that SIL wow, I'd tell her exactly why I didn't send a present.
As for anyone that you gave presents to their kids and who didn't acknowledge your daughter on her celebratory occasions, I would have been done the first time that happened. Don't slight my kid when she doesn't deserve it or I will cut you off.
Be honest with anyone who asks and don't feel an ounce of guilt.
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moodyblue
Drama Llama
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Location: Western Illinois
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Jun 26, 2014 21:07:23 GMT
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Post by moodyblue on Aug 31, 2018 1:07:07 GMT
What do I think? I think you have awesome friends! And those are the people who have been there for you when you needed help.
I also think your family takes you for granted. They just assume you will show up, no matter where or what's going on in your life, and they have come to expect gifts when you come. Think about what YOU get from the relationships and if that's something you want/need to continue.
I agree with some of the posters that your health scare is a good way to explain - if you WANT to - that you've had to re-evaluate what you do while you're limited on activity, and that your priorities have changed.
I also think you need to decide with whom you want to maintain relationships other than the Christmas card or Facebook contacts, if you decide to say something about the one-sided history. They may not want to make the effort if contact is up to them.
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Post by mikklynn on Aug 31, 2018 1:16:38 GMT
Let go of the guilt.
Stop doing anything out of a sense of obligation.
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Post by Really Red on Aug 31, 2018 1:24:29 GMT
I'm really sorry. You sound like an incredible friend and a great sibling/aunt. Honestly, it's incredible that they treat you this way. I would be really tempted to ask the sibling to whom you are closest what gives? Is there something you aren't seeing? Or are they just that clueless.
Regardless, you need to focus your energies on what is important in your life. Choose your family.
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Post by calgaryscrapper on Aug 31, 2018 1:26:16 GMT
A very simple response I will use is “Sorry, that won’t work for me”
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Post by jemmls4 on Aug 31, 2018 1:26:56 GMT
I say screw them all. You live your life for you. Celebrate your friends and your daughter and her family. If the others want you, they know where to find you. If not, time wasted on you and not them. Good luck.
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