DEAR ERIC: I’ve heard, informally, that my nieces and nephews have collectively decided that the entire family (including me) will gather for the college graduation of one of my great-nephews in May. I wasn’t involved in that decision, but that’s OK. It’s not my child or event. (I don’t have children.) I am also the only living uncle.

I have no interest in going. These family events involve so many people; it is difficult to spend any meaningful time with anyone. In addition, it’s on the other side of the country, and the graduate-to-be and I have never been close. He has barely spoken to me at other gatherings and has never acknowledged the (cash) gifts I have sent over the years for birthdays, Christmas or his high school graduation. Although that seems to be the rule anymore, and not t

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