[Sophia M.]

Front Porch Forum: "Is it time to stop reaching out to my brother who never seems to have time for me?" (09/09/2025)​

Always reaching out—but is anyone reaching back? Image source: Pexels

Pull up a seat, GrayViners. “The Forgotten Big Sister” is missing the bond she once had with her brother. When one-sided effort feels like holding on too tightly, is it giving up to stop calling—or finally giving yourself peace?

Hello TGV,

We used to be inseparable, my brother and I. We were the only two in a loud household of five, and we leaned on each other like twin poles in a storm. I helped him through heartbreaks, lent him money when he was starting out, and cheered the loudest when he got his first big break.

But somewhere along the line, the phone stopped ringing. He no longer calls. Birthdays come and go without so much as a text. When I reach out, he’s always “too busy.” And when he says “we’ll talk soon,” I know we won’t.

I’ve always believed in being the glue that keeps family together. But I’m starting to wonder if this glue has dried up. Is it giving up if I stop calling? Or is it finally giving myself the peace I deserve?

Missing the bond,
The Forgotten Big Sister

What do you think, GrayViners? Have you ever felt a sibling slipping away, or struggled with knowing when to let go? How did you find balance between love and self-respect? Share your stories and advice below. And if you’re wrestling with your own family dilemma, start a conversation here.

 

[Arkie98]

I know how she feels. I was very close to my brother. I was the oldest and he was the youngest. Took care of him from a baby on, we became very close through out our lives, good, bad and indifferent. All went well until he married wife 5 and it became a new awakening. We no longer communicate and it hurts. But have accepted it, though hurting, and have told him i love him, always have always will and will be there if ever. You just have to remember the good times and move on. Hopefully your brother is happy. Find an out let you enjoy and focus on that. Best of luck