Are you sure we're not related? I can identify with so much you've said...and I've always been told it's the Dad's job to kick the fledglings out of the nest while Mom tries to keep them there. Yeah, right!
As for getting up the nerve...do it. Oh please, do it. You'll never regret asking.
I've drifted away from family, and there's a pain there that's hard to describe.
LOL.....can you imagine what you'd guys be like if these were girls??? My God. Scary!
Well, her mom and I don't get along all that well. Sometimes she is receptive to me. Sometimes, not! Depends on her mood. But, I'll ask anyway!
Believe me, my family and I are not that close anymore. I think it has a lot to do with the atmosphere from which we came. Not many of my relatives seem to get along with each other!