I am 21 and just beginning to know my dad's side of the family (I don't talk to him though). He has five living siblings (three others have passed away) so I have a lot of aunts, uncles and cousins that I'm just now meeting. I haven't met any face to face but just recently got in contact with an aunt, uncle and one cousin through my half-sister.
Any tips on establishing a good relationship with this "new" family?
2006-08-15 05:05:19 · 10 answers · asked by lifelover581 5 in Family & Relationships ➔ Family
I met a lot of my dad's family at his funeral. I sort of feel quilty about not staying in touch with them afterward.
2006-08-15 05:11:00 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I was 27 when, almost 3 years ago, I visited the village my dad originally came from, for the first time. There I met an amazing number of uncles, aunts and cousins I hadn't even known existed. It was quite overwhelming at first but all of the people I met were -luckily- very open and easy-going so getting on (and even bonding) was quite straight forward.
I am not too keen on "giving tips" since different things seem to work for different ppl...That said I guess that being polite, honest and keeping a smile on your face should do the trick...
Best of luck:)
Ps. IM-ing and e-mailing have prooved very effective in keeping the bond going, in my case.
2006-08-23 11:05:51 · answer #2 · answered by lillith_va 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I just returned from a Reunion where I met about 20 cousins I never knew.We exchanged address& e-mails. Some of these people are older ,some younger. The oldest is 69 the youngest is 41. I am 63.Most are on my fathers side. Some are my cousin by marriage but we all cosider each other blood cousins. When you havent seen each other in 50 years you do not want to lose any one again.
2006-08-22 20:20:42 · answer #3 · answered by BUTCH 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
i knew my dads side when i was a baby, but through divorce, i didnt see any of them until i was an adult.
it wasnt easy to forge a relationship, but it can be done. i stay in touch with an aunt now and i do call another aunt once in a blue moon. its nice to be able to call somebody and listen to them tell you things about your dad that you didnt know
2006-08-22 21:04:20 · answer #4 · answered by lodeemae 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Just be careful. My son is going through the same thing he is 19. His mother just "appeared" back in his life after basically giving him away to live her own life. She now bombards him with I love yous and tells him story about how her not being with him is everyones fault mine his dads, her job, her blah blah blah. She was even so happy to see him she gave him a bad check for $50 for his graduation when he cashed it, it bounced and he lost $80 out of his account for fees and everything. Again be careful absent parents are usually absent for a reason. And it seems to me absent parents usually come back into the picture for a reason and that reason is usually to make themselves feel better.
2006-08-20 09:55:49 · answer #5 · answered by coach 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
yes, I met my biological family. Just let it run its course and take your time getting to know them. You will be glad you did not rush into it. It will all work out
2006-08-22 18:22:58 · answer #6 · answered by suzanne_sauls 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
A agree with Coach, you can must be careful, but you can enjoy these new relationships as well.
2006-08-22 18:47:30 · answer #7 · answered by bunny 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Just keep in touch I don't know any of my fathers kids, and relatives and my mom had no family. just keep in contact and visit as often as you can
2006-08-23 00:48:16 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I JUST FOUND OUT I HAVE FOUR SIBS, MET ONE ALREADY. JUST BE YOURSELF. THEY ACCEPT THAT BETTER.
2006-08-23 11:10:58 · answer #9 · answered by deby k 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
yes my daddy...and my aunt.....
2006-08-15 12:22:53 · answer #10 · answered by Rachael 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋