Estranged relatives.

Ive been estranged from a sister since maybe 2020ish after a big falling out. We used to be close when our parents were alive but after they died it exacerbated some already existing problems and we haven’t spoken in about 3 years. We had some friends in common and now when they ask how my sister is doing or what she is up to, I never know how to answer. I don’t really wanna air out dirty laundry or invite discussion about it. I also don’t wanna embarrass them for asking - Even extended family doesn't know anything about it and I don’t really wanna tell them either.

Whats a clever way to navigate to this awkward situation?

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Miklee02 · 51-55, F

Me and my sister too fell apart after my mom died…. Not my doing… somehow I wasn’t being a supportive sister and she expected more from me….. I read our texts quite often and only seen support for her …. We stopped talking for about a year and a half…. She lives in England and I am in the states…. So distance does not help either.
BUT last weekend she messaged me, out of the blue with some wonderful news, her and her husband are expecting their first child! We FaceTimed and it feels like all that bad in the last year and a half just disappeared and I’m going to be an Auntie 🩷🩵🩷🩵
We will hopefully nurture our relationship back to health and I’m praying she moves back to the states so I can see her and her family more often.
I hope things work out for you and your sister 🙏😌

Adrift · 61-69, F

@Miklee02 I hope things work out for you too.
Sometimes distance is the best way to maintain a good relationship.
I have reconnected with my sister a couple of times.
That experience is usually enough to remind me why I detached myself in the first place.

DoubleRings · 51-55, F

@Miklee02 wow that’s great news! Congratulations! I hope you and your sister will work things out. Seems like a great chance for change.