One sided comms with sister

[Itsallthedramamickijust]

My sister has three little ones and is a sahm. I’m divorced with no kids. It’s lovely seeing what they are up to but I feel like comms these days just consist of their milestones and nothing else. I will get a photo or video and told to watch, be invited to a bday (it’s a 4 hour round trip) and that’s the bulk of it. The family do make an effort for me but it’s overwhelming and a bit one sided - having to clap for first tooth, first word, first step, first day at school x3. Am I being miserable.

Yes 🤣.

This is her life and she is proud of it. But have you asked her if she would fancy a weekend away with you somewhere?

Yeah I have. I feel like I’m not the right audience. She has a bunch of parent friends. I don’t have kids but want them. It feels a little much.

Ah, slightly different scenario.

I didn't have kids but did want them, and I did find other mums updates hard to deal with.

I have no words of wisdom as this is a sister who isn't actually being unreasonable towards you specifically, but also you are not unreasonable to feel like you do.

Are the updates sent to you directly or a family chat? If it's a group chat, I would suggest turning off notifications or archiving the thread, just check it when you feel up to it.

Meantime, get on with life. There is a big world out there. I wish I had travelled and seen more while I had the money and the freedom.

She is proud of her kids and wants to share their news with someone who loves them too. Isn't it nice that she includes you? What is it that you want from her that you're not getting?

Just dial back on your responses. So don’t make the 4 hour round trip for every birthday.

And just heart emoji the odd pic, not every pic.

It won't be like this forever.

Are you interested at all in your nieces and nephews?