I didn't say that the reunion bit had worked out well for me. I turned out to be the eldest of 4 (versus an only child). I have 2 sisters (one 18 months younger, one 5 years younger) and a brother 14 years younger. They are all full siblings since my biological parents eventually married when expecting child no. 2. I met them when I was 23. Like Kent alluded to, although the blood connection is there, you are complete strangers in every other way. I look like the others, but I am nothing like them in character - the old nurture versus nature debate...

One sister is very religious, the other suffers from bipolar disorder (manic depression) and my brother is just a kid. My natural parents want to be involved with me and my family - they are delighted to have re-discovered me and to see me happy. From my perspective, it's an additional responsibility and drain on my energies and emotions. I feel obliged to keep in touch. Although they are very pleasant people, the fac remains I have nothing in common with them other than DNA... Events like Christmas and my birthday become things to fear, since everyone wants you to be with them. Last Christmas was the first that my natural parents have spent with me, but Dad was put out by that (even though he was here too).

I must say I agree with Reg. I think people (after a great deal of consideration) who decided not to proceed with a pregnancy would still think that it was the right decision later in life. I've never had to make that decision, but I did terminate the life of a foetus incompatible with life at 20 weeks gestation by having labour induced. Do I regret that - not at all. It wasn't meant to be.

Oh well, just a few thoughts...