69: Why Siblings Drift Apart in Adulthood

In this episode, Minaa B. explores why siblings drift apart in adulthood—a question she's asked constantly as a therapist specializing in sibling relationships. Drawing from research on sibling dynamics, she breaks down the complex factors that create distance: childhood closeness that was really just proximity, personality and temperament differences, the impact of mental illness and addiction, poor family cohesion, unresolved childhood conflict, and how life transitions pull siblings in different directions. She also addresses the painful reality that some sibling alienation starts in childhood—long before adulthood makes it obvious. With compassion and clarity, Minaa offers practical strategies for navigating sibling distance, whether you want to rebuild connection or make peace with letting go. Resources Work with me: Book a 1:1 therapy consultation. Website: minaab.com Newsletter: ⁠⁠⁠Subscribe here Order my book: Owning Our Struggles⁠⁠⁠ Stay Connected! ⁠Instagram LinkedIn⁠ Facebook⁠⁠⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices