Dear Yogesh,
I stay in Bangalore and my dad stays in Delhi. It’s been a while since I visited him after my parents parted last year. For a few weeks, my father suddenly stopped responding to my phone calls and texts and likewise to my sister’s.
I spoke to my sister staying at a distance of 5 km from my dad’s house to check on him. She went, but he wasn’t home. After a few days, he sent gifts for his grandchild at my sister’s place, with just his name on it, not as your loving grandpa or something. It seems like a sudden boycott. I also sent him messages and tried video calling, but no response. I am sure it’s not COVID-19, as I have enquired about that too. I am not able to understand this sudden change of attitude.
Please suggest something.
Warm Regards
Atharva Srivastava
Dear Atharva,
I understand that the unprecedented pandemic has created chaos across the world and the situation might be stressful for you. From your letter, I can assume that you’re looking for some tips that can help you reconnect and find a way out during these tough times.
My thoughts and my advice are very clear: work on yourself in the first place and then on him. I would suggest the following approach:
I hope these ideas help you find a way to reconnect with your father. You can always share these ideas with your sister too and let her do her bit.
Best,
Yogesh Sood
This blog is an adaptation of a recent blog published by our partner Mr. Joseph Grenny on 12th May - https://cruciallearning.com/blog/how-to-respond-to-the-silent-treatment/?mkt_tok=eyJpIjoiTUdaak5qazBNREZsWmpRMSIsInQiOiJ4RVk2VjVzSWNaT0ZSK25uVVl5cER3XC9RXC9HZTZSY0NvWWhMXC8rcWNmZGw2NUtRVnJFSHpxblVJV1dhZGdFN2ZDUHZxckk2UldrZFNqeWFRUXFDU052XC8xVHRnckdyTHlPTkdOS3B2MjM2QjJubnk4RDNxYVNtREs3NDJYU2dhRWIifQ%3D%3D