social

Family Reunion With New Found Family?

Six months ago, a brother I never know I had found me. With Covid and being in different states, he and I along with another brother and a bunch of aunts, uncles and extended other family members have yet to meet face to face. But hoping to soon this summer. I'm looking for advice on what not to truly say or do in advance to meeting them all. After 56 years apart, I don't want to mess up a chance on true happiness in getting to know each other.

Advertisement

Thanks in advance, any help would be greatly appreciated

Add your voice! Click below to answer. ThriftyFun is powered by your wisdom!


Bronze Feedback Medal for All Time! 196 Feedbacks
April 16, 20210 found this helpful
Best Answer

That is exciting to find new family! The best thing to do is say tell me more about (yourself, your childhood, your life today, your immediate family, your job, etc.) and let them talk!!

Once you feel more comfortable you can add to the conversation. Remember, they probably have the same anxiety of meeting you.

If they beat you to it and say tell me about you to you...then offer high level info and turn it back over to them.

Advertisement

After a few volleys of conversation you should get into a natural flow!

If it starts to feel uncomfortable, try to steer them back to the positive. Even things like tell me about your favorite family vacation or birthday party, or a funny story about your mutual parent.

The keys are listening and learning, being empathetic and welcoming and keeping it light to start!!!

Blessings!!

Reply Was this helpful? Yes

Silver Post Medal for All Time! 267 Posts
April 17, 20210 found this helpful
Best Answer

I will tell you that we found a long lost brother just before I turned 40. He had been given up for adoption prior to my mother and father getting married. They tried to get him back after the wedding but parents' rights were different in the 60s and the adoption was allowed to stand. My mom tried to find him forever and managed just months before she passed away. When we met him, he fit right in immediately.

Advertisement

My brother had different life experiences than the rest of his siblings but shares a similar sense of humor and other connections. He works in computers and so do we. When Mom found him, his adopted parents had passed away and he grew up with no siblings so finding this large extended family must have been a shock, but it seems like it was a welcome one. His family now comes to Christmas and some birthdays. We all went camping once too, which was a lot of fun. He's the older brother that I never had but always wanted.

I would not worry too much about meeting your new brother. I'm sure you all will try your hardest to find common ground and it will work out for the best. Congratulations, I'm wishing you the best of luck.

Reply Was this helpful? Yes

Gold Feedback Medal for All Time! 949 Feedbacks
April 18, 20210 found this helpful
Best Answer

This sounds like wonderful news and most likely both families are feeling the some of the same type anxieties about meeting a 'new' family. It's not clear if both families will have a large group but hopefully there will be about equal on each side.

Advertisement


If one group is a lot larger than the other it may seem overwhelming so keep that in mind and maybe move slowly at first.
If that is the case you may want to be sure each groups knows how many will be attending the first 'meeting'.

I know the one thing that seems to usually 'break the ice' and goes over well is pictures. When I'm going to see someone that I have not seen in a long time, I try to gather pictures that were taken during the years we were apart.
Of course, this can be overwhelming also so maybe only a few pictures of the closet relatives in the beginning.

Reply Was this helpful? Yes

Silver Answer Medal for All Time! 440 Answers
April 30, 20210 found this helpful
Best Answer

I can imagine what an exciting meeting you will have! It will really be a little difficult emotionally. I do not know why you had such a long separation, most likely one of your parents and his parents were not very good relations, therefore, you probably better avoid this topic very delicately. C'est la vie, as the French say (life is like that), we are all not ideal and everything happens in this life.

Advertisement

And you have a wonderful chance to acquire new relatives. Try to show your brother how happy you are to see him and enjoy your first meeting without thinking about anything bad. And prepare some gift for him! All the best to you and your brother.

Reply Was this helpful? Yes

Gold Post Medal for All Time! 677 Posts
April 16, 20210 found this helpful

I would have a picnic in a park with open space for as many people as possible. Start with general topics. You will find that you will have some things in common to talk about. Avoid politics and religion. I have a feeling this reunion is going to go very well. Im happy for you.

Reply Was this helpful? Yes

Bronze Post Medal for All Time! 140 Posts
April 18, 20210 found this helpful

You have already broken the ice, he is family. Just be welcoming , that is all anyone wants, is to be welcomed and accepted. Let this feeling come through and everything will be fine. Good Luck , we are all wishing you and your family the very best!

Reply Was this helpful? Yes

Add your voice! Click below to answer. ThriftyFun is powered by your wisdom!

In This Page
Categories
Better Living FamilyApril 16, 2021
Pages
More
🎃
Halloween Ideas!
🍂
Thanksgiving Ideas!
Facebook
Pinterest
YouTube
Instagram
Contests!
Newsletters
Ask a Question
Share a Post
Categories
Better LivingBudget & FinanceBusiness and LegalComputersConsumer AdviceCoronavirusCraftsEducationEntertainmentFood and RecipesHealth & BeautyHolidays and PartiesHome and GardenMake Your OwnOrganizingParentingPetsPhotosTravel and RecreationWeddings
Published by ThriftyFun.
Desktop Page | View Mobile
Disclaimer | Privacy Policy | Contact Us
Generated 2022-10-25 19:40:06 in 902 msecs. ⛅️️
© 1997-2022 by Cumuli, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
https://www.thriftyfun.com/Family-Reunion-With-New-Found-Family.html