Just looking for some opinions because I don't really have anyone to talk to about this.
I was recently contacted by a long-lost sibling. We share a father but I have had no relationship with him or the sibling my entire life - I'm nearly 40. I grew up as an only child and have always wished I had a sibling. I've known about this person since I was a kid and have thought about looking them up several times over the years. So initially I was excited, however my mom has seen them on FB and it appears that we share very different ideological views, my family is very progressive liberal and they appear to be maga republicans. I know that doesn't automatically make them bad people, however it does suggest that this wouldn't exactly be the ideal sibling relationship I would have hoped for and could potentially invite drama into my life that I don't need. Additionally, opening this communication adds the potential for my biological father to enter the picture and after 40 years of no contact from him I don't think that's something I'm interested in. The email didn't give a specific reason for them reaching out so I don't have any context for why now, or what they're expecting to come of this.
I haven't responded yet and I'm very torn on whether I should or not. On the one hand I'm obviously curious, but on the other I don't know if this is a person I would choose to have a relationship with in any other circumstances. My mom went through a similar situation with her estranged father and it didn't go well so that is a big concern for me.
What would you do in my position? Is it worth potentially inviting drama and disappointment into my life just to satisfy my curiosity or should I just continue on like I have my entire life.