Is It Time to Stop Trying???

I have a BIL and SIL that are just like that. It is so hard to come up with neutral conversation . they are so negative and are socially inept. It is painful to visit with them most times. They like to start fights . I have just learned to live with it and try to have limited conversation with them. I complement their kids alot :) if you have a choice to have contact with her I would do so with others around . You will never change someone like this so don't try to figure her out . live your life and don't feel guilty. we create our own destiny. She chooses to be unhappy. You choose to have positive people in your life . Good luck:)

Whether she is family or not, don't invite her. You said she is a negative nancy. let her be all negative by herself. Don't invite drama into your home. GL

M

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My experience is that in order to be happy I needed to surround myself with positive people who make me happy. Just because you are related and this person is a family member you should not feel obligated to keep this negativity in your life.

You have no obligation to invite her to your in-laws for Christmas, so no need to feel guilty.

I would not actively seek out her company, but would continue to be cordial at family gatherings. No need to intentionally eliminate her, but certainly no need to find time for her either.

I would not invite her. No sense including toxic people in a great atmosphere. I would also stop trying to have a relationship with her. She's not going to change. You don't have to do anything dramatic. Just decline invitations, if she gives them. Otherwise just don't plan on doing anything with her.

I had an aunt by marriage who was difficult to be around because she was so negative, tho not as negative as your description of your half sister. Our families got together once or twice a year. Because our time together was short, we just ignored her complaints. If you can't do that then don't spend time with her.

It is so hard to be around people who make you unhappy. And unfortunately, there are too many people out there who are always unhappy and want to make everyone else unhappy too...it sucks! You have a few months before you have to extend an invite...in that time, you can attempt to form a better relationship, but if you don't see it happening, don't invite her!

What I do w/ a family member we get along w/ ok, but don't want to spend lots of time w/ is plan a separate get together, so you know that you did your familial duty by spending time and trying, but then your time spent w/ those you really love isn't ruined. Just a thought, but it works for us!

Keep in mind, that some relationships just can't be fixed, no matter how much you want it or try! Good luck in this! Keep me posted!