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[quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous]I don't have kids. My brother has four. We don't live in the same city but I visited often when his kids were young. I was crazy about them, as any aunt is! In their teenaged years, they were busier and I didn't visit as often, but they each got a phone at around age 14 and I'd keep in touch that way, not too often but to send birthday wishes or memes on occasion. They're pretty typical teens, often just responding to texts with nothing but "ya", which I found amusing. I remember being a teenager and I never wanted to be the weird aunt or bother them with annoying questions. But obviously I love them and want them to know I love them and think of them. 
Now they're in the 18-22 range. They're still pretty uninterested in having anything to do with me, but one of them does not even acknowledge me. The other three are polite, if not warm or forthcoming. I'll get a heart reaction or an lol, which is fine. 
Last week was the twins' birthday. One twin picked up when I video called and said he was hanging with his friends. I said "Ok, have a great time! I'll let you get back to your buddies, but just wanted to wish you a happy birthday!" The call lasted about thirty seconds. The other twin didn't pick up when I called, so I sent a text saying that I was calling to wish her a happy birthday. It's on WhatsApp and appears unread. That's what happens to all of my texts to her. Generally it means that she saw that I texted but didn't click on it. She never will.

It hurts my feelings but, again, I remember being a teenager and I'm trying not to take it personally. But I do think it's pretty rude.

The kids have other aunts and uncles and I don't think any of them reach out to the kids at all, but I'm the only one without my own family.

The whole thing just makes me feel kind of...I don't know. Well, it kind of feels like shit. Any snub feels like shit. I can't say anything to my brother. There's nothing I can do. I'll keep reaching out on birthdays and things because I'm the adult. And I hope that when she's older we'll have a closer relationship.

I guess my question here is: Am I wrong to feel kind of hurt by this? Am I right to think she's being rude?
I know it's not my place to say or do anything about this but keep on as I have. I guess I want to know if my feelings are valid. [/quote]

If you really want to keep a connection, send gift cards, not memes AND don't try to FaceTime. If kids don't have any feelings for you. You can't force it. They didn't grow up bonding with you.[/quote]

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