Estrangement is often maintained through the omission of expected acts of kinship, such as withholding greetings or failing to acknowledge milestones. This is a concept that is now called “Not Doing Family.” Family members who are subjected to these omissions feel neglected, resentful, mistrustful, and confused about their own self-worth. In this episode, we explore practical strategies for navigating these dynamics, like recognizing avoidance patterns, setting low-energy contact options, and seeking support outside the family. We also highlight how low effort families can revitalize their connections through small, structured changes and open communication.

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You can read Fern's Sibling Estrangement articles on Psychology Today here: https://www.psychologytoday.com/ca/contributors/fern-schumer-chapman

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