Ask Amy: Enduring friendship marred by drunk-dials
His wife has had limited contact. It seems he has beef with our mom for things in his childhood and I am guessing that I am collateral damage.
He is 47 and just decided to cut all ties.
His wife does not want to be put in the middle, so it seems we are left trying to make sense of it.
I continued to send gifts and birthday texts but have stopped, due to no response or thank you.
Should I try to contact him anymore? What's my next move?
Besides my mother, husband and kids, my brother’s family is all of my family and I have not had contact with my niece or nephew since this estrangement started.
I wonder if he has mental health issues.
– Left Questioning
Dear Questioning: Yes, you should keep in touch. Don’t pressure your brother for an explanation. If he is depressed, the pressure won’t help.
I suggest sending occasional lightly-toned texts, letting him know how you’re doing, and also conveying the message, “I would love to be in touch when you’re ready.”
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