DEAR ABBY: I have two daughters, "Mary Beth," 48, and "Anne," 50, who do not talk to each other. The last time we were all together was a family vacation in 2010. They live in different states, and I travel to visit them for the holidays. They have similar lifestyles -- married, children, work outside the home -- but they don't reach out to each other.
When Mary Beth wrote her feelings to Anne, they were viewed as hurtful and vindictive. I received a copy of the letter, but I didn't think they were. That was two years ago, and Anne never sent a reply. She said, "Oh, Mom, I don't know what to write. Can you help?"
Frankly, I think Anne prefers the lack of contact with her sister, and that even though they are sisters there is no bond between them. What do you suggest? The silence is unbearable. I want to hear the "noise" again. -- DISAPPOINTED MOM IN RENO
DEAR DISAPPOINTED MOM: Nowhere in your letter did you mention how Mary Beth feels about the fact that her letter may have caused an estrangement. As an adult, Anne should have responded to that letter. It isn't unusual in families that are geographically separated for sibling bonds to loosen. Work, marriage and children can be profoundly distracting.
I'm advising you to continue to see both daughters, but not involve yourself in their relationship. I'm not sure what kind of "noise" you're looking for, but if you poke into this, it could be an explosion.