This is true. Communication is a two-way street, but once the street is covered with bad feelings, bitterness, resentment or just plain disinterest, you need to clean it up if you're going to salvage your relationships. Greeting cards can be a great way to help break the ice with their warm sentiments. Put a personal touch on your correspondence. If you are using email, send a cute greeting card or just touch base to let everyone know you are out there.
Some people prefer email and some prefer handwritten letters.
Find out which one your particular relative likes and send consistent correspondence. Don't expect to mend broken hearts and gloss over past hurts right away. For relatives you've never met but want to get to know, introduce yourself and share good times in your family. Show that you are genuinely interested in your relative's life and open to establishing a lasting connection. Try to remain positive and steer clear of old wounds or bad memories .