Is it normal not to feel anything towards your family?

Is it normal not to have any sort of feelings towards your family. No hatered or love?
I found that I've been like this for the past year and it's worrying me that I feel absolutely nothing. It started at Christmas 08 when I 'd rather spend Christas day by mysef in my room than spend the day with my family. A couple of months after that, my Grandad(who years before I was really close to) had a heart attack and was rushed into hospital. I still didn't feel anything.
Does anyone else have this problem?

Is It Normal?
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  • I spent the majority of my life away from my family. I was raised by my dad and whatever stepmom was there at the moment. He was in the military so we moved a lot. I feel like that's were my disconnect comes in. I remember when I was little I cried every time I had to say goodbye to my grandma or cousins. But I was a crybaby as a kid. I literally cried over everything.(Don't judge me lol) As I got older its like I started being a little more honest with my feelings toward my family. I felt no emotion if I didn't talk to them for long periods of time. Or if I hadn't seen them in years. most of the time I couldn't wait for them to leave, or for the time for me to leave. I started wondering if the only reason I loved them is because it was drilled in my head that you have to love someone because they're your family. I know I can love, I feel emotions. There are people I miss but its not them. And I feel so guilty. Like I'm a monster, or ungrateful selfish brat. I moved away on my own three years ago and its only my dad and cousin I talk to on a somewhat regular basis. Even that gets to be a bit much at times.I miss them at moments. If I remember an inside joke, or just memories I tried explaining to my cousin how I felt and she basically just ignored me. She brushes it off like I'm just saying it to look cool or bold, but I'm just trying to make her understand I need help. I don't know. Is this normal?

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  • come to my house to show you love

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  • we are all expected to love family, but it can be hard if you don't. also, some people are easy to love, some not so much.

    how would you feel to find out no one in the family or your friends loved you? just wondering.

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  • I have this problem not only with my family but friends too. I've tried really hard to pinpoint why this is.
    We grow up being told that "family is everything" or "family will be there for you" but I really just don't care, and I've wondered why.
    Im in my 30's already and I still don't have those strong feelings like everyone else I know does for thier parents or siblings.
    Honestly, it's disturbs me quite a bit, and I have wondered what is wrong with me.
    At several points in my life I thought it might be depression.. or even selfishness? who knows. but I do understand what you mean. I have never felt a connection to anyone in my life. I really just don't give a sh*t, and I feel extremely guilty for this.
    I also know, that when I start to feel a the true pains of love I have supressed them as soon as they hit because I picture the loss ans it's not a good feeling.
    The mind is wacky, we tend to protect ourselves in weird ways.. I'm still trying to figure it all out.
    I rated your question as a biased "normal" only because I feel the same way. But I'm not too certain if it really is normal or not.

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  • I too have the problem of not really feeling anything for my parents and sisters. It is not that I dont love them but I feel like I could not care less if I dont see them for long periods of time. My father passed away 3 years ago and it has been alot harder on me because I feel guilty for not having really deep feelings for him. I feel like he knew it and it is really hard to deal with the guilt behind that. I think every one is wired differently. Some people are really close and clingy and others are not so much. The best thing for you to do I think is to as least act like you care and that way you wont feel so guilty if they pass away or something.

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