I searched this site for some advice and tips on how to connect with my sister in law and I have not been able to find any blogs related to this topic. Am I missing it?
I have 1 brother, he is 5 years younger than me and we have always been close through the years. He married his high school sweetheart who is about 8 years younger than me but who I obviously have known for a long time. I was away at college when they started to date so I never really saw her much in the early years. They have been married for 15 years now with 3 children and each year I hope that I can somehow connect with her. We are cordial with each other and respectful however there is always a feeling of disconnect. I admit I had hoped she would be "the sister I never had" however obviously by now it seems like we will be family but not real friends. I wish I could say that my brother and I are just as close however we are not. We love each other dearly and he is a wonderful man and father however the distance that has been placed between our families has begun to take it's toll.
I would love to have some advice on how to more forward. I do not want to look back at things and events I can not change. I realize I can not change my sister in law however I would love at some point to learn how to find more of a friendship. I am willing to change my reaction to this situation however I have just run out of ideas and to be honest, I am getting tired of trying. Obviously things could be worse and I may just need to accept the relationship as it is which is not horrible however now it is affecting my relationship with my brother and my parents and can't let that happen.