Tough love: Twisted sisters

Emma Barnett advises a mother whose warring adult daughters cast a long shadow over family life

The Sunday Times
ILLUSTRATION BY PHILIP HACKETT

Q I have a heartbreaking situation that affects my two daughters, both in their early thirties. Following years of not getting on, they had a furious, horrible row last June, and have not really spoken since.

The older one has told me that she wants nothing more to do with her younger sister. The younger one is desperately hurt by her attitude — she has had very unpleasant health problems and the older daughter has not once sent her a message of support.

Both girls have good careers and friendships, though neither is married. The older one, who has been working in the US since last March, is in a relationship. They both have close relationships with me and my husband, and both came home