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Message: <blockquote data-quote="Hijinks" data-source="post: 2806704" data-attributes="member: 31094">My situation is similar but yet .. different.I grew up moving from country to country as my dad was in the CIA.  His relatives all grew up here in Iowa together, hanging out and doing stuff all year long together.I moved here in 94, hoping to finally settle down, set in some roots, and spend time with my family and get to know them.11 years later, I still only see them twice a year - Thanksgiving and Christmas.We're all in the same town, or close.  They don't invite me to birthday parties, dinners, or any other get-togethers.  I know they have them because, when I do get invited to Thanksgiving, I hear about how FUN Soandso's party was a month ago, and how they HAVE to do it again soon, and so on.Every year around Thanksgiving time, I start to get anxious because I know they will make me feel like crap just because they exclude me all the rest of the year.  And every year, I suck it up and go wherever I'm invited, because my grandmother would get really upset if I didn't.  They don't give a crap whether I go or not, but she does.I have an uncle in the hospital this year, he's been recently diagnosed with cancer.  I'm sorry he's sick and I sent flowers, but I haven't visited because, frankly, he's a stranger to me.  I've tried and tried to make myself available to hang out with them (I'm not about to show up on their doorstop pleading "Include me!", but I have sent emails and birthday cards and tried to call sometimes, the calls not being returned of course), and they still choose to not include me.So I decided this year, screw em.  I have a wonderful bf who is all I need.  Unfortunately, I'm sure I will argue with my dad tomorrow about why I haven't been to visit my uncle.  Oh well.</blockquote>

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