Teen runaway faces silence at home

DEAR AMY >> A few weeks ago, I ran away from home because I couldn’t get my way.

I wasn’t gone the whole day.

When I came back my mom felt disrespected because of what I had done.

Since then, she hasn’t talked to me because I never apologized.

She thinks that I should have apologized after the situation happened.

I understand this, and when I look back on what I did it was really dumb, but I wouldn’t say I like talking about it.

I really don’t want to continue our relationship as a family if there is no communication. Amy, will you please tell me what you think?

How can I make her talk to me again?

What should I do?

— Troubled Teen

DEAR TEEN >> I want to point out that you and your mom have actually communicated.

After you came home, she communicated that she felt disrespected and that she wanted an apology.

You say that you understand this, and yet it sounds as if you haven’t apologized.

Your mother should not be freezing you out. She is supposed to be mature and forgiving. She’s supposed to know what to do and how to act. And yet parents are people.

They get their feelings hurt and don’t always know what to do.

I think you should write to her. Explain how you were feeling when you chose to leave home, and how sad you feel, now. Use the phrase, “I know this must have been scary for you, but I wasn’t thinking about that at the time, and I hope you can forgive me so we can get back to being a closer family.”

I hope you will connect with your school counselor, who might be able to help further.

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— Server

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