Difficulty: Challenger (Level 1)
Feeling sad or hurt is normal. This is because you used to be close to your brother.
Try to talk honestly with him. Share your feelings without blaming him or his girlfriend. Share how you feel about the changes in your relationship. Be open and listen to his side of the story. He might not see how he has affected his family.
You can try to get to know your brother’s girlfriend. This can help you understand why your brother likes her and why things have changed. You could plan family activities with her. Then, everyone can get to know each other better.
You can also do things you enjoy and spend time with other people.
Remember, it is normal for relationships to change. This often happens when someone starts dating. Your brother might need to learn how to balance time with his girlfriend and family.
If these changes are too stressful, you can talk to someone. A family member or a friend might understand what you’re going through.
Questions
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What family activities could you plan to include a sibling’s boyfriend or girlfriend?
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Has your friendship with someone ever changed? Why?
This question was answered by the Department of Health under Shall We Talk, an initiative launched with the Advisory Committee on Mental Health.
