Ask Amy: Biological father and son can’t seem to talk
Dear Amy: Recently, my biological father emailed me to say he’d like to get to know me. We’ve never met. He is 81, I am 64.
He had long denied that I’m his son, and until recently had been very hostile to any attempt on my part to be in touch.
Decades ago, I did some research on him and decided that I knew enough and moved on.
He was a successful businessman and is the patriarch of a large family.
I am also successful in my work and happy with life and my large family.
I have politely responded to his emails, but I have decided that I am not interested in an email relationship with a near-complete stranger, whom I don’t know and have zero affinity with.
I have offered, however, to meet him in person. (He lives in another state).
He responded by saying it would be a waste of my time and money if I have no desire to develop a relationship with him.
I consider the travel cost to be a very minor expense. He dismisses my feelings regarding meeting in person, versus corresponding.
My sense is that this ship sailed decades ago, and I’d prefer to move on.
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