I’m 24 years old and try to have a good relationship with my father, but the effort to keep that relationship is very one sided. 95% of the time, I’m the one that calls him, and the only time he initiates contact is when he needs something from me. I call him every weekend, but he rarely answers the phone so I only end up talking to him maybe once a month (sometimes much less). And the times he doesn’t answer, he never calls back later. He also doesn’t respond to texts, so I’ve stopped trying and just call. This has been the cycle for a few years now. I’m one of his two children from his first marriage, and he has two other much younger children with his current (2nd) wife. Part of me thinks he has either consciously or unconsciously moved on with his life and tries to forget about me and my brother. I’d like to believe he’s not the kind of person to do something like that, but his track record isn’t great. So am I overreacting? Has anyone else dealt with a similar situation?
I have not dealt with such a thing. But maybe you can turn the realization that you are not your fathers priority into something good. Stop seeking his approval and become a man.
Also if you have a mom, how is your relationship with her?
He seems like a cunt, just live your own life and don't give a fuck about him or his wellbeing if he ain't reciprocating that. It's not like you're getting anything in the end, no inheritance or anything. He's just an elderly burden. Leave him to his other family to carry his old burden ass by the end of it. You have another sibling and that should be enough of a "support" network if you're ever in trouble or need a second opinion or a hand in anything, so your dad is pretty useless. If your dad wants something from you, say no you're busy. Until he actually shows that he gives a shit, don't help him.
>>34408282But first talk to him about it, maybe he's just super busy but still does care for you.
>>34407226Relationship with mom is good, I talk to or see her most weekends. My relationship with my father used to be great, there was no falling out or anything, just gradually drifting apart despite my best efforts.
