My sister hasn’t spoken to me in ten years – how do I mend things?

DEAR DEIDRE: AFTER ten years of no communication at all, I’m desperate to have my sister back in my life. 

I think about her every day and despite my efforts, she still wants nothing to do with me. She’s 70 and I’m 72.

Growing up we were so close and even into adulthood we were practically attached at the hip.

Then one day I felt a shift, she stopped returning my calls and became less and less interested in my life. Then suddenly, she blocked me without any explanation. 

I did everything I could to reach out but I never heard from her again.

Over the years I’ve done everything I can to contact her and mend our relationship, but it’s always gone ignored.

At this point, I don’t know what else to do. It tears me apart knowing that we could die and never see each other again.

I’ve lost all hope. 

DEIDRE SAYS: It is painful when any relationship deteriorates, but especially when you don’t know why.

Cutting you off with no explanation was unfair and hurtful and it’s little wonder you feel so let down.

I’m wondering if there are any other family members you could talk to who could perhaps shed some light?

But for now, you may have to accept that this is what she wants. Hard as it is, you can’t force her into your life.

Try Stand Alone (standalone.org.uk). They offer support to adults estranged from family members.