I used to be close with my dad’s side. But as I got older I realized how terrible some of them were but whatever, saw them less and less and it was fine enough.
Then when my dad got sick and passed, their true colors came out just as I imagined, and it was the perfect opportunity to cut them out of my life. I haven’t spoken to 95% of them since the day of my dad’s funeral. I don’t respond to texts, I throw out invitations.
I get the whole blood is thicker than water crap, but you don’t choose your family, and they aren’t always good people. Holidays now are usually just my mom and siblings and our significant others, which is quite different than the 35+ I was accustomed to growing up, but this is better.
I appreciate a strong family bond, but I don’t miss them one bit.