@tdib Welcome to Connect. I am of the firm belief that we cannot force family or friends. We can't force them to forget you nor can we force them to remember you. It is my experience, and of course yours may differ widely, that there are some friends and family that were beneficial to us in the past and supported us and something happens and they are no longer in a supportive role. Friends and family like that we just don't need! So what have I done myself? I have sourced out new friends that make me feel good about myself, that perhaps see the majority of my views in the same way but with enough difference to make me think and look at the bigger picture. I get out of my comfort zone and stretch myself physically, emotionally and mentally. It doesn't matter whether you're living physically close to people or not. You still reach out. The phrase that came to mind as I was thinking about a reply is, "you're the captain of your own ship." It seems like that was something that my dad used to tell me every so often. He knew the struggles that I had dealing with family while growing up. He was not a source of the abuse that he felt powerless to assist me in escaping it. Hope this helps.
Ginger

@tdib - I know that @gailb has talked about making a number of new connections and friends this past year, so she may have some ideas for you.