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Children, Parents, or Relatives with BPD => Son, Daughter or Son/Daughter In-law with BPD => Topic started by: SBCali on May 01, 2022, 09:46:34 AM



Title: How to remind my sister I am available when she needs me
Post by: SBCali on May 01, 2022, 09:46:34 AM
 :help:
My sister 51 has decided to be alone and live in a camper. At first I didn’t know where she was or if she was suicidal until I was actually able to talk to her on the phone. I’m not dismissing the idea that she may have suicidal thoughts. As we spoke (she spoke mostly), I felt the familiar BPD signs. Of all siblings I would say we have maintained a semi-smooth relationship. It hasn’t been until this last year that I finally became the target of some of her emotions. I understand she has had a life of feeling alone, misunderstood and poorly treated. I get that and I have always tried to listen to her. Admittedly, I’ve reacted poorly myself in response to her verbal attacks from time to time.

But here’s my real question: I feel I’ve had our last phone call for a while. But I want her to know that I love her and I’m here for her. How? My thought was to occasionally text her a nice picture of something calming - a landscape or something. And just tell her I was thinking of her. And then leaving it at that. I want to be here when she is ready to come. How do I remind her over time that I AM HERE?

I live in California and she lives in New England…

Thank you for any thoughts you may have.



Title: Re: How to remind my sister I am available when she needs me
Post by: Swimmy55 on May 01, 2022, 02:33:32 PM
Hi and Welcome
 What you have suggested is lovely.  And then  I would leave it;  lower your expectations and don't expect an answer from her for a while.   Thanks for writing to us, we are here for you.