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Topic : Repairing Broken Relationships

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Created on : Thursday, July 07, 2005, 09:14:12 am
Author : dataimport
Is there a rift in your family that has gone on too long? When someone isn't speaking to someone else and they drag the whole family into it, things get ugly. Share your stories and solutions here.

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May 2, 2006, 5:31 am PDT

Anyone else had a sibling just drop out of their life for no reason?

My brother lives 600 miles away from me.    Our parents both died within 6 months of each other.  My brother and I were always close even though we lived this far apart.  We would see each other 2 to 3 times a year, talk 1 or 2 times a month.  Then about a year after our parents died, he just changed his phone number and email address and refused to speak to me.  We did not argue about anything nor did we have a problem in settling their estates.  He just stepped out of my life.  Now, 5 years later he still refuses to speak to me.  I am concerned about him and can't believe he would do this.  I always thought we would be close forever.  I have a husband and daughter who I love very much but my brother is all the family I have left.  How do I make myself accept this and move on.  I try to forget about him but I still find myself thinking of him and crying.  Anyone else have this happen to them?  I have tried writing to him.  I also obtained his new cell phone number and called recently and he still refuses to speak.  Any suggestions? 

 
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May 2, 2006, 2:38 pm PDT

I think you should forget him

Quote From: canada26

I'll try and make this as short as I can. My name is Tara, I have three children all under the age of five and another on the way. I have been in an off again on again relationship with there father, whom all the children belong too for the past six years. There dad is from the USA and I am from Canada, we met over the internet while I was attending my second year of college, I though I had found the man of my dreams he was everything I would ask for. I had never been in a relationship prior to this, he was the first man I was ever with intimately or even relationship wise. I fell in love at first sight, everything was going great we were engaged and happy and loving life until within nine months I was pregnant with my oldest daughter. After having the baby everything changed, he began laying around not helping me and was on the internet all the time. I thought it was because he was not in a city and there was really nothing around for him to do, so I moved us to the city and things were going great until two to three months into living there he was getting agitated and I couldn't find a job. So, once again I pulled my roots off this time we moved to another province all together where I worked two jobs just to pay our bills. He never got better, if anything he got worse, one night I came home and there was bottles all over the floor from our daughter he had been on the computer all day and never once took her out of the crib. We had a huge fight and he said he needed some air, well he went to the bank machine withdrew all the money there was in there and took a bus to the greyhound station. I had nothing so the fool I was went after him and with our daughter went to where he was and talked him into coming back home with us, it was the worst thing I could have done because he then started cheating on me with someone else in the apartment building I was trying to be freinds with. Well, I found this out and he left again this time I didnt stop him. Well, I was sick and tired and late and found out I was pregnant with our second child. I missed him and asked him to come back after she was born to try and work things our for the sake of the kids. It was good for about six months and then money was missing and cd's ect. I was working all day and was coming home to a mess, I cried all the time so once again he left and this was about a year later and I found out I was pregnant yet again. I cried for hours, my parents hated me for making my life so difficult. So, before the third baby was born he came back again. We wanted this to work for good, I do love him and I had never held anything against him he just cheated on me constantly. I dont know why I always took him back because I felt sick after seeing him. He was here for the last babys birth and everything was great the best it had ever been then some rumours started in our town, its so small and word gets around fast be it true or not. This time he was forced from our home and this time I was pregnant with our forth the one I am carrying now. He went back to the USA and is now seeking help and is on alot of meds, but he is moving in with another couple and they have a sister who wants to get with him. Well I dont know what to do. Should I fight for him and win this or should I give up and go on with my life. I am single now as I feel is, I work full time plus I am going to college part time I am a busy mom of three soon to be four. What do you think? 

Think about you and the kids. You arent getting what you need in a relationship with your childrens father, and neither are your children.  

  

I would suggest you look at getting counciling through your school or heathcare provider. You need to find new ways to cope and stop looking to your ex for support. Hes not capable and he clearly isnt interested. I wouldnt take him back even if he suggests it. 

  

  

 
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May 3, 2006, 5:05 am PDT

Repairing Broken Relationships

Quote From: jenoc99

Although she is your daughter, at this point, you have to step outside of the situation you are living in and ask yourself this: what would you do if this were not your daughter? What would you do if this were, say, a neighbor? Consider this, if your best friend were in your shoes, what advice would you give her right now on how to handle all of this? These are two different ways to look at your situation, you need different perspectives. 

Right now, you are not doing her any favors by "looking the other way".. instead, you are being an enabler to her lifestyle. She is having sex with any man- at your home?? Its time to make and enforce rules NOW, whether your husband is on board with you or not, because someone has to step up, and its not going to be your daughter or your husband.  

I can't imagine the stress that you are living in, you don't deserve this in your own home! Those innocent children don't deserve this either. Have you considered putting in an anonamous call to child protective services? If she was forced to take parenting classes, it might change her for the better. I know the only way she would do it was if she was forced, so this will feel like a drastic measure, however, your grandchildren deserve a better mother. Maybe at this point, she truly doesn't know how to be a better mother because she is too focused on herself and her own selfish needs.  

What would happen if you confront her regarding the items you know she has stolen from you? Even if she won't admit to it, you need to be strong and let her know that you KNOW it is her. Give her limits, she needs them- limits such as: no men in the house, no more stealing or you will have to find somewhere else to live. I know it will be difficult to even say that- but- you have to do something you can't just keep being her victim! I strongly suggest making that anonamous call to CPS.. if they come and investigate, you must be completely honest and tell your story. This is effecting so many people's lives, your daughter should not have so much power in your home. Its time to take back your power and your home! You are strong, you can do it-- you have the strength. This is doing the right thing. 

Thank you for your advice...I do appreciate it.  Things are still in an uproar at my home, but I have taken a stand.  I told my husband that he will have to deal with my attitude and if he can't then he knows where the door is.  I also sat down with my daughters (YES I have two living with me now and they both have two children each) and I told them straight up that they have until June 1to find a place get on their own and take care of their kids.  The second daughter moved in while I was out of town...my husband let her come home because she was having a problem with her husband (of 3 yrs) doing drugs around their daughters.  I told them that they are "guests" at my home and they are responsible for everything they do.  If they can't follow my guidelines then they can get out now.  So far, it is working...the 25 yr old daughter has been told either she care for her children properly or I will take full and complete custody of them and she will not be in their lives at all!  I talked to Children Services and they helped me a lot.  The other daughter is 23 and I know she doesn't want to live here, but she has to until she gets on her feet...hopefully it is before June 1st.  I am very seriously thinking of selling this big house...for that way they can't move back in!  My husband is upset with me but I had to do somehting, for I was totally losing my mind.    

I appreciate all the thoughts and sound advice sent my way...I am using it and taking control of MY HOUSE....  

 
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May 3, 2006, 5:17 am PDT

Repairing Broken Relationships

Quote From: katieflew

My brother lives 600 miles away from me.    Our parents both died within 6 months of each other.  My brother and I were always close even though we lived this far apart.  We would see each other 2 to 3 times a year, talk 1 or 2 times a month.  Then about a year after our parents died, he just changed his phone number and email address and refused to speak to me.  We did not argue about anything nor did we have a problem in settling their estates.  He just stepped out of my life.  Now, 5 years later he still refuses to speak to me.  I am concerned about him and can't believe he would do this.  I always thought we would be close forever.  I have a husband and daughter who I love very much but my brother is all the family I have left.  How do I make myself accept this and move on.  I try to forget about him but I still find myself thinking of him and crying.  Anyone else have this happen to them?  I have tried writing to him.  I also obtained his new cell phone number and called recently and he still refuses to speak.  Any suggestions? 

My brother and I were very close also.  Over the years he has grown more distant and it hurts.  We always were together and when I started dating he would tell the guys that they had him to contend with if they hurt me at all.  He married and moved to 1500 miles away and now I don't see him or hear from him unless I fly out to see him or call him.  He has had a lot of health issues and his family doesn't let us know anything...he had a major heart attack in June of 2005 and no one called.  I was so upset.   I talked to him when he came in for our Mom's funeral this past winter and he said nothing was bothering him and I not done anythign wrong...he just has a life with his family and doesn't find the time to call or write.  I told him that was a poor excuse and he has to do better...he hasn't so far and I am learnign to live with it...it is hard and painful, but that is how he wants it, that is how it will be. 

  

My suggestion to you is that you need to go to him and ask him to explain why he doesn't want to be in your life.  Maybe he is hurting and you need to find out why.  Maybe something did happen and you didn't realize it upset him.  Find him...go to him regardless how he feels about seeing you, you need to close this so you can have peace of mind.  You need to know WHY.  If after you talk to him (face-to-face) and clear the air he doesn't want to be in your life at least you will know why and can deal with it better.  I wish you all the luck in the world...my God guide you through this and show you the way!  

 
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May 3, 2006, 1:53 pm PDT

Repairing Broken Relationships

Quote From: mudgoose

My brother and I were very close also.  Over the years he has grown more distant and it hurts.  We always were together and when I started dating he would tell the guys that they had him to contend with if they hurt me at all.  He married and moved to 1500 miles away and now I don't see him or hear from him unless I fly out to see him or call him.  He has had a lot of health issues and his family doesn't let us know anything...he had a major heart attack in June of 2005 and no one called.  I was so upset.   I talked to him when he came in for our Mom's funeral this past winter and he said nothing was bothering him and I not done anythign wrong...he just has a life with his family and doesn't find the time to call or write.  I told him that was a poor excuse and he has to do better...he hasn't so far and I am learnign to live with it...it is hard and painful, but that is how he wants it, that is how it will be. 

  

My suggestion to you is that you need to go to him and ask him to explain why he doesn't want to be in your life.  Maybe he is hurting and you need to find out why.  Maybe something did happen and you didn't realize it upset him.  Find him...go to him regardless how he feels about seeing you, you need to close this so you can have peace of mind.  You need to know WHY.  If after you talk to him (face-to-face) and clear the air he doesn't want to be in your life at least you will know why and can deal with it better.  I wish you all the luck in the world...my God guide you through this and show you the way!  

Thank you for your kind words.  I wish it was easy to go talk to him but it is an 9 hour drive for me to reach him.   Lately he has moved again and I don't know the address, just that it is in the same town.  He has made it very hard for me to find him.  I do worry about him because I just don't know why he would do this.  You are exactly right in that I do need a face-to-face with him.  I agree with you,  that  is the only way I am every going to have any closure.  Just wish I could figure out a way.   

  

I'm glad you atleast got  to ask your brother why.    If I only knew the reason, I could accept that and move on.   He has the right  to choose however he wants to live his life and I guess the only thing I can do is accept it.  I just hope someday I can understand why.  Thanks again. 

 
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May 4, 2006, 1:14 am PDT

DEPRESSED

For about 6 weeks now I have been feeling that at home I get: pushed around, not listened to, constantly told what to do and felt picked on. My mum is a bit lazy and makes me do almost every thing for her .My older brother (19) is a slob, smells and doesn’t pick up after him self and when I make a mess he goes on and on about it for days and days on end. My little brother (9) on the other hand in my MUMS eyes is PERFECT (He is so not even close)he is a kiss up and gets away with it and never listens to me and do what I ask him to do even is it is really important (This could become dangerous).The way I feel not listened to is there was something that happened last week this was that, I was sick I wasn’t taken much notice of  mum didn’t: make a fuss, make me bed on the couch, cuddle me because I wasn’t feeling unwell, or show any acknowledgment that I was feeling the littlest bit unwell, like she did the next week when my 9 yr old brother got the cold I had. Lately I have also realized to my self (when I was crying to mum who after said I was jealous of him) that I do hold a lot of hate towards my family, so I feel guilty for it (this I bet my self up for). I am 15 yrs old and have just started going to a new school my boy friend goes to, I already have lots of friends but have a big commute to get to and from school every day, this is good for me because I get away for home. All thou I am not and never be suicidal I really feel some times that life would be better if I wasn’t born.   

   

  

Can you please help me I am starting to hate my family even more every minute and have started to feel depressed and that i cant talk or my head will get biten off.  

   

  

Thank you for your time   

                                     Hannah Johnson

   

  

                                                                 Auckland, New Zealand   

 
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May 4, 2006, 8:57 am PDT

Sorry for what you are going thru

Quote From: hannahj1

For about 6 weeks now I have been feeling that at home I get: pushed around, not listened to, constantly told what to do and felt picked on. My mum is a bit lazy and makes me do almost every thing for her .My older brother (19) is a slob, smells and doesn’t pick up after him self and when I make a mess he goes on and on about it for days and days on end. My little brother (9) on the other hand in my MUMS eyes is PERFECT (He is so not even close)he is a kiss up and gets away with it and never listens to me and do what I ask him to do even is it is really important (This could become dangerous).The way I feel not listened to is there was something that happened last week this was that, I was sick I wasn’t taken much notice of  mum didn’t: make a fuss, make me bed on the couch, cuddle me because I wasn’t feeling unwell, or show any acknowledgment that I was feeling the littlest bit unwell, like she did the next week when my 9 yr old brother got the cold I had. Lately I have also realized to my self (when I was crying to mum who after said I was jealous of him) that I do hold a lot of hate towards my family, so I feel guilty for it (this I bet my self up for). I am 15 yrs old and have just started going to a new school my boy friend goes to, I already have lots of friends but have a big commute to get to and from school every day, this is good for me because I get away for home. All thou I am not and never be suicidal I really feel some times that life would be better if I wasn’t born.   

   

  

Can you please help me I am starting to hate my family even more every minute and have started to feel depressed and that i cant talk or my head will get biten off.  

   

  

Thank you for your time   

                                     Hannah Johnson

   

  

                                                                 Auckland, New Zealand   

My brothers were my mothers favorits. They are still brats but  I love them anyway!! Mothers and daughters go thru this alot. I still to this day and I'm 37 nock heads with mine. You have to stay calm and ask her for what you need from her. If she doesn't respond to it, there is nothing you can do. The only person you can control is you. Mom still in many ways doesn't get what I need from her but for my own sake I have let it go and I have excepted it and I know what not to do with my little girl. Life maybe sucking for you now but it is such a short time of the rest of your life. Be happy and don't let it get you down. I know it is hard to do, surround yourself with as much positives out side of your house (friends, school, hobbies.....) and you will get thru this in a blink of an eye. I used to get away by reading when I had all my house work done and out of the way. Yep! just locked the door and went into another world..............  

   

Good luck, hold your head up high and make yourself proud of who you are and nobody could ever take that away, trust me ever.................  

 
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May 5, 2006, 2:57 am PDT

thank you

Quote From: idunowhy

My brothers were my mothers favorits. They are still brats but  I love them anyway!! Mothers and daughters go thru this alot. I still to this day and I'm 37 nock heads with mine. You have to stay calm and ask her for what you need from her. If she doesn't respond to it, there is nothing you can do. The only person you can control is you. Mom still in many ways doesn't get what I need from her but for my own sake I have let it go and I have excepted it and I know what not to do with my little girl. Life maybe sucking for you now but it is such a short time of the rest of your life. Be happy and don't let it get you down. I know it is hard to do, surround yourself with as much positives out side of your house (friends, school, hobbies.....) and you will get thru this in a blink of an eye. I used to get away by reading when I had all my house work done and out of the way. Yep! just locked the door and went into another world..............  

   

Good luck, hold your head up high and make yourself proud of who you are and nobody could ever take that away, trust me ever.................  

thank you for way u said even if it made me cry (beacacuse some one can see me) i really loved to hear from some one i hope you and ur family all the happyness in the world and a safe return for ur hubby  

              xxxo  

 
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May 5, 2006, 5:28 am PDT

Mother WHO-------?

Happy Mother's day to ME!!!  

My mother has throat cancer and she wants me to call her today,  

I never knew my mother because she wasn't around to stay.  

I have her telephone number and all I do is tap my fingers,  

The feeling of HATE for her is all thats left and lingers.  

She gave me up at birth, along with the rest of the crew,  

Never was a good mother but heard she was a good screw!  

She is gone in the head and violent from deep in her heart,  

Set a man on fire and killed him and tore me apart.  

First woman to kiss my lips was a mother at sight,  

Last woman to see me before locking me away at night.  

First woman to beat me to the ground at the age of 8,  

First woman who taught me to fight and to hate.  

My mother has throat cancer and all I want to do is smile,  

She wants to talk to me for just a little while.  

Where was she from 1 to 8 or from 8 to 10,  

Where was she from 10-30....where was she then?  

My mother wants my number and to know where I live,  

My mother wants to talk to me and for me to forgive.  

My mother is going into an operation- I may never hear her voice,  

But what about ME- when I was a child and had no choice!  

My mother is going to die and life will nolonger be an issue,  

Oh Boo hoo to her, I won't cry at her funeral- I won't need a tissue!  

My mother ruined my life and wonders why I never write or call,  

Maybe because when I was little she never held me in my fall.  

She never kiss my cheeks or rock me back and forth to sleep,  

And now she wants to belly ache about her and weep.  

Poor mother..mother of many things but who she is meant to be,  

Mother of nothing and sure as hell not the mother of me.  

 
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May 5, 2006, 8:53 am PDT

Hanna

Quote From: hannahj1

thank you for way u said even if it made me cry (beacacuse some one can see me) i really loved to hear from some one i hope you and ur family all the happyness in the world and a safe return for ur hubby  

              xxxo  

Your so sweet! :) I wish I had a magic potion for you. When you get down, please come back and I will listen. We all need to be heard. I can't say I'll get back to you right away but as soon as I can.   

   

   

(((((BIG HUGS)))))  

 
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