Sometimes we wait for our family to volunteer or offer an invitation. We don't want to impose or ask for something they may not want to give. We often let them design our relationship. They may think they know what is best for us.
This is when you need to advocate for yourself. Try to help them understand what your life is like, what you need physically and emotionally. Our culture promotes providing for yourself, being as independent as possible. Sometimes, however, we need the connection to our loved ones. We want to be part of each others lives, to receive and give help. Our culture also sees the traditional family, mom, dad, and the kids living together as the best combination. The multigenerational family doesn't seem the ideal.
Being a self-advocate may seem selfish or self-centered, but we need to be responsible for taking care of ourselves which includes realizing what we need from others and letting them know.
