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How do you start a relationship with a family member whom you've never really spoken to in the past?

19 Answers
Last Updated: 12/08/2020 at 11:51pm
1 Tip to Feel Better
United States
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Top Rated Answers
Anonymous
June 14th, 2016 4:29pm
Its okay. Family is family. You have to give it shot. And youll never know unless you try. Go for it.
Anonymous
December 8th, 2020 11:51pm
Its difficult to do that sometimes. Ask yourself has that family member been there for you before and why haven't they? Are they fearful of something? Or do they just feel like they are superior to you and you dont quite fit in. Sometimes even those themselves can feel like outcasts so its something to consider. If you are BOTH genuinely wanting to start a relationship mutually, then all you can do is take it a day at a time. Be polite, courteous, kind, respectful of one another. Conversing will help you both see what you have in common and what you can both bond on. You either want to try to make the relationship work or you dont. It can be awkward and uncomfortable at first. Most new relationships tends to be this way if you dont get butterflies. But those are different comparisons.
SunshineIsTheLife
November 19th, 2018 6:07am
You talk to them to figure out the root of the problem as to why y’all never talked. Then you go on from there you see if there is a way to over look the reason you didn’t talk to each other then you slowly start solving the issues between the two of you. Although there may be challengers you always have to remember they are your family and even though the times might get tough solving what went wrong you still need to work as if nothing was wrong. You are family and family is always there for family.
Jasmine7860
February 13th, 2018 5:24pm
Start with general gesture and greetings with kind words. Then try to remind them of how they are related to you..try to bridge the relationship.
Peppens
January 30th, 2018 3:38am
Whether it be by letter, email, text, or phone call, (heck even a casual hangout) a good first start would be to ask the family member how their lives have been, what's been happening in their lives, whether it be about kids, pets, accomplishments. Once you get to that point, it will come to you on how to react to their questions/responses. Hope this helps!
hopefulEnergy21
January 8th, 2018 5:14pm
You can start by caring for them in small matters, like by helping them in some little tasks or buying something small for them like candies or chocolates.
Anonymous
September 25th, 2017 9:49am
Relationships are really easy to built if you want it to be. You just have to let down your ego or anger and be the bigger person to start communication. But both parties have to cooperate to do so in order to form a relationship. But if all else fails at least you tried thats what matters.
calmArrow53
January 3rd, 2017 9:27am
This will depend on who you are, who you family member is, and if there were any problems why you didn't speak in the past. First off, you could start by having an open mind about this family member, and to see if they will get together with you to find out more about each other. From there, the relationship could naturally blossom into something great. Just be yourself, and let this family member know that you would like to make an effort to get to know each other.
L1030
November 15th, 2016 3:23pm
Take it slow.. take the initiative to open up.. start by asking them how they are.. everything starts with a simple conversation
starrySoul90
July 18th, 2016 10:10pm
You basically call them..ask them out...do activities together...find things you have in common...have a trip together. It can really help
Anonymous
February 16th, 2015 6:01pm
Get to know eachother!That shouldn't be hard at all!And go on from there!I wish you luck and I wish you love
TaintedHaze
March 1st, 2016 7:02pm
I've dealt with this a lot, especially with my biological mother. (I was adopted when I was 1) I will tell you it may be hard or awkward, depending on the reason for the lack of communication over the years, but go about it the way you would any other person. They probably feel the same way. Test the waters, find out their hobbies, What they've been doing with their life. Be open with them. For my birth mother and I our relationship seems more friendly than family, but you're just going to have to start from there.
peachesandlove
March 1st, 2016 2:08am
Depending on if your family knows them better than you. Ask your known family about them. Start mundane and light topics of conversation. Speak to them on a weekly or bi-weekly basis to continue the growth of the relationship.
Anonymous
November 30th, 2015 7:09pm
You can just act like you speak all the time. Who ever he/she is in your family so it's not talking with a stranger.
JK8287
October 26th, 2015 4:18pm
One thing that has helped me do this was to take any criticism that person gives to you, and agree with it or at least nod your head, if they're right or wrong -- even if they say the sun has switched places with the moon. Human interaction is mostly emotional, not logical.
Anonymous
July 14th, 2015 9:26pm
Sometimes even just a quick email or text can open really wonderful doors for family members. This is a great way to get to know them better and at least show them that you are interested in getting to know them better.
Br33zyS3tz
July 13th, 2015 5:16pm
This is tricky on various aspects, the key is to be open and honest, with yourself and your feelings; be as accepting as possible, be positive and courteous, genuine and confident in who you are. Additionally, it is important to recognize the fact that you might need to set aside your differences, set aside the fact that distance and time have separated you two, and rather, accept the fact that time has now brought you together; try to make the best of it; family is always going to be family, you are linked in a bond that is inseparable, strong, and honorable. Stay calm, cool and collected, and don't be afraid to express yourself as you please; his or her reaction will demonstrate his or her true colors; be true to yourself, don't be too nervous; start this journey together, be courageous and generous, intelligent and most of all: ACCEPTING. Just like meeting new friends, new people, conduct yourself as you would with all new relationships you have experienced, yet REMEMBER that you are FAMILY, and family facilitates the utmost love and support!
Anonymous
June 9th, 2015 10:06am
A simple hey, hello with a smile works wonders :) Hang round the next family gathering, try and pull a few strings to make sure they're involved and just wander over and talk to them - who knows where it could lead!
KathyTheHealer
May 16th, 2015 3:06am
Well, you are a really nice person. You care for the other family member. To start a relationship, first focus on these basic things: Food Clothes Happy talking That's simple.