Dear Oblivious Family Members,

I do not quite understand why you don't talk to me. I think to myself on my bad nights "did I do something wrong," but I constantly draw a blank. I was always my exuberant self to you, but now I am met with coldness and silence. I will never comprehend your actions, but I can say that it has taught me some valuable life lessons.

You taught me that not everyone likes you. I always knew this was true when it came to friends and drama, but I never fully understood this concept until you came along. For a family member to treat you as an acquaintance it can be assumed that they don't like you. I will admit that I have had meltdowns over why you don't like me, but now I realize that not everyone will like you in life, and that is okay.

Your silence showed me that sometimes people can be transparent. You may ask how my day was or if I'm feeling okay, but the minute I respond more than "it was good" or "I'm okay" I am not met with a response. I will never understand if you cannot handle my conditions or reality or if you really do not care, but I do know that sometimes people do not want to know the truth even when they say they do.

You have made me into a stronger person. Through the meltdowns and frustration over your lack of communication, I came out the other side. I know now that other family members will be put on a pedestal while I fade into the background of your world, and that is not okay, but I have learned to accept it. You would have no idea, but your 5-word responses or unfeeling texts do more harm than good most times. Rather than responding I break down and text my parents for support. I have learned that I cannot rely on you, but now I do know who I can rely on. I will still break down when you idolize my brother or ignore me at dinner, but looking back on it all, your silence will make me stronger.

The truth is that like I said before, I will never understand you. I will never understand why you walked away along with so many others. I will never understand why you continually say you will repair our bond and then put in no effort. I will never understand why you don't like me, but I hope that this letter can help you. I hope that I can give you some insight into my thoughts on our relationship because I honestly am not sure if you are aware how much you are hurting me.

I will leave you, my grandparents, with this: Treating your granddaughter as an acquaintance is not okay. Leaving me in my time of need was not okay. You choosing my brother over me is not okay. I will move forward from this though, and it is up to you if you will choose to follow me.

Sincerely,

Your Confused Relative

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