Cousin Bonding

[Jinx138]

I have this cousin that has been my friend since we were in diapers and is still my friend. We had a really strong bond over it but in the last year I noticed that he no longer really likes to be around me. Now he thinks he's this big gangster boy and disses me in front of people. He also has smoked weed in the past and I suspect he still does occasionally. I told him that I don't approve of what he does and how he acts toward me and he knows. We live a couple houses away and now whenever we hang out its for a PC issue or he wants to Wrestle or Box. I don't really enjoy any of those things (even though I do build computers for people) and I am wondering what would be a good way to bond with him without joining in on his friends and doing whatever it is they do.

[CcRoder]

Mutual interest would be a big thing to bond over. Like, if you both like computers, then that would be the mutual interest. Do two of you have any others? Plus, if he's doing anything wrong like this gangster stuff, you could help him get out of it all. He may detest you while you're doing it, but if you succeed and he turns himself around, he'll be at your feet in thankfulness.

[ksdnfkfr]

I have a close cousin my age I've basically grown up with, so I can imagine how much that sucks. With him dissing you now and the huge personality change I'm afraid I can't think of anything. I think I would just act really honestly sad around my cousin if he started acting that way. Try to still be as nice to him as possible - but not let him use me as a doormat. Hopefully something will snap him out of it.

[earl_hun]

If he wants to wrestle or box, why not? Maybe it will be the bond.

[From Chris]

I have this cousin that has been my friend since we were in diapers and is still my friend. We had a really strong bond over it but in the last year I noticed that he no longer really likes to be around me. Now he thinks he's this big gangster boy and disses me in front of people. He also has smoked weed in the past and I suspect he still does occasionally. I told him that I don't approve of what he does and how he acts toward me and he knows. We live a couple houses away and now whenever we hang out its for a PC issue or he wants to Wrestle or Box. I don't really enjoy any of those things (even though I do build computers for people) and I am wondering what would be a good way to bond with him without joining in on his friends and doing whatever it is they do.

It's certainly not a good thing for him to do those things to you! I suggest picking a mutual like in activities for you guys to do. :) It's important not to impede on his lifestyle or his choices in a negative way because that can effect the way he acts towards you and what he thinks of you. Even though it may be in the best thought to tell him you don't approve of what he is doing, i think it's best to say you support him for who he is, yet you don't think it's a good idea to say smoke weed or publicly humiliate you, because no one likes that. I think he's just trying to be cool around his friends, so i would try to find something to do that is just you two or between people that you know you can trust to be nice and supportive. :)

-From Chris