I want to cut my sister out of my life

QI was never really close to my sister. She’s two years older than me and I think she always resented me coming along and ruining her onlychild status. I’d listen to her news or worries, but if I tried to speak about anything important she’d start scrolling on her phone in minutes. When I said it wouldn’t be a good idea to visit our elderly mum during the pandemic she buried me in abusive texts so I cut contact. I’d be happy never to see her again, but other family members keep telling me to be in touch. What should I do?

SUZIE SAYS

AThere’s a simple formula for this. You say, ‘Thank you for your concern. But we’ve never got on so I’ll leave it at that, thanks.’ If they push, say, ‘No, we won’t talk about this any more.’ That’s

a lot more polite than, ‘This is none of your business so butt out!’ but it says and achieves the same thing! However, remember you’ll be losing a sister in this process. Consider asking her to attend counselling together where you can air your views in a monitored environment.