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  • The Atlantic

    Dear Therapist: My Daughter Hasn’t Wanted a Relationship With Me for 25 Years

    I want to reestablish our connection, but she won’t even acknowledge me at family events.
    by Lori Gottlieb Feb 11, 2019 5 minutes
    Source: Bianca Bagnarelli

    Editor’s Note: Every Monday, Lori Gottlieb answers questions from readers about their problems, big and small. Have a question? Email her at dear.therapist@theatlantic.com.

    Dear Therapist,

    My oldest daughter (from my first marriage) hasn’t wanted a relationship with me for more than 25 years. I remarried about 28 years ago and have two children, both daughters, with my current wife. My oldest daughter was a bridesmaid at the second wedding and seemed accepting of the new family dynamic. Her mother had also remarried, a few years earlier.

    My daughter is now 48 years old, and her sisters are 27 and 28. Although we have encountered one another at extended-family events (christenings, graduations, her brothers’ weddings, etc.), she does not acknowledge me, my wife, or her sisters. I want to reestablish

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