Ask Your Question today
I dont want to give detail in this post, because I do not want to bore people, but if you want to know some more context, I will explain in replies below.
All I want to know are what are some ideas I can talk about in a letter to a family member I have a strained relationship with, but still want their involvement in my life?
Just tell the person that you are thinking of them, and that you hope they're doing well.
One of my friends wrote me letters after we had lost contact. I was deeply depressed and had socially isolated myself and it meant the world to me. She would tell me about funny things that had happened to her, interesting things she had read and just tell me she hoped I was ok. I hope you can reconnect with your relative.
basically ask what they are doing, tell them what you are up to if you want to disclose that information, tell them what movies you are watching or what shows, what your work is, what your goals are, and ask them questions that you really want to know the answers too.
Only time I ever really write people is if they're in jail, you can just talk about what's happened since the last letter you sent and stuff.
Be caring, understanding, non-judgemental. Tell them about what's been happening in your life in the time you haven't seen eachother.
Start with the usual. You were both wrong. Without any context, it's hard to give advice.
We drifted apart after she made me move out i felt upset she had kicked me out and hadn't spoken to my mum since, and she sent a letter asking me to write back now i feel like i have to
You don't have to write back. I don't know the context behind this, so if you feel like rekindling this relationship would be good for you go ahead, but you should never feel obliged to have a relationship with someone just because they're family if they're abusive or would take advantage of you. Again, I don't know the context behind this beyond what you've said, but keep it in mind.
Otherwise, follow the advice of other commentators here. Maybe talk about more casual / uplifting subjects (i.e. what you've done the past few years, milestones in life, what you're excited for), and don't just resume the original conflict that made you two fall apart. Ask about her too.