Nothing comes as a shock quite as much as finding out you have a family member you’ve never met, especially when they hold a sibling title. Despite the initial shock, your second feeling might be that of excitement. This real person, whom you had no idea of prior, shares your DNA and might not even know it. The thing is, though: They might not be interested, shocked, or excited to meet you the same. Even though that might feel like a gut punch, it’s the reality of the situation. If you try to force family where it’s not wanted, you might get even more disappointed than you were when you realized they’d rather not forge a meaningful relationship with you.

The woman who posted this story is trying to make her pregnant wife and sister-in-law understand this. When her wife and SIL found out they had a half-brother on their mom’s side, they continuously tried to contact him in hopes he’d respond. Well, after many messages, he finally responded… and not in the way the wife or SIL had hoped. He requested that they don’t reach out again. Though a bit disrespectful, they have to respect his boundaries. If they don’t, they could be reported for harassment and cyberstalking. Even still, the wife thinks that her half-brother will show up when she finally gives birth to her baby. Scroll to see how this story unfolds below.