Half-brother (34) from Egypt refuses any contact with me (M28) – is this normal? Need advice
I’m a 28-year-old guy who has lived abroad most of my life. A few years ago I found out I have an older half-brother (now 34) in Egypt from my dad’s first marriage. I was really excited when I learned about him because I never had siblings growing up.
When I was younger I used to visit Egypt every summer. I once bought him a birthday gift, but he got upset and said I was “showing off daddy’s money.” It was actually my money, my dad doesn't even remember his birthday
He also complains that my dad treated him and his mom badly. I understand that might be true, but it’s not my fault I was a kid and I didn’t even know he existed back then. He says he has “no reason to like me.”
I still try to keep some connection. I text him on New Year’s, his birthday, etc. Sometimes he replies (very dry), most times he doesn’t. Recently my dad’s ex-wife’s sister reached out to me and said he’s mentally ill and that’s why he’s like this.
I’m genuinely confused and a bit sad about it. Is this kind of reaction normal in Egyptian family dynamics when there’s a “new” sibling from abroad? Especially when money and past father issues are involved? Should I keep reaching out or just leave him alone? Has anyone been in a similar half-sibling situation?
Would really appreciate any honest advice from Egyptians or people who understand the culture here. Thanks.
P.S especially if you are in that age group, mid 30's if you found out you had a younger brother, would your reaction be like this? How would you actually react?
He seems to hate my guts somehow even though we just met