At one time I was pretty brainwashed into thinking extended family was very important. However, after we helped some of our families out in Nepal and also helped some come to America. We noticed that extended family was quite different, they did not feel about us the way we felt about them. We noticed that once they were here and settled, they discarded the need to interact with us and they did not even take the time to show appreciation for all that was done on to them. We were not asking much , simple hello, phone call, drop by and invite etc... I still believe in family but now after I see all the problems in having too close ties, all the family drama that can occur, all the infighting between cousins and other relatives, I am convinced individualism that Americans have is much more true than the ruse that we call an extended family. What are your thoughts?