I have a very strained and estranged relationship with my brother. I have no other family other than this brother and we are in our mid 40's. I would rather die alone than ever speak to him again. Too much (awful) history and situations that he cannot be forgiven for. I have friends that are my family and I know that they would never do the horrible things to me that my brother has done in the past. I guess I am the opposite of your situation because I am quite okay not seeing or speaking to him ever again.