| Family Hi,
Habits that have been formed over many years are hard to break. By that, I mean that your family has developed the habit of seeing you at birthdays, get-togethers, etc, and it will take time to change that.
Your Grandma, especially, needs understanding at a time like this, because she is much older. Some older persons need more understanding than others. Some Grandmas really don't have any kind of life anymore; while others are very involved in different things. If your Grandma doesn't do anything all day long, she would really appreciate meeting your friends.
Talk with your family, without getting upset, in a friendly way, and explain, as another expert said, that you now have friends you didn't have before.
If possible, it would really make an older lady happy to have you come by your Grandma's and take her to your birthday party with your friends, if only for a short while. Introducing her to your friends would "make her day", and show that you really, really care for her.
As for the rest of the family, they will eventually accept the fact that you are now on your own, and have your own life to live. They can also be a part of it, naturally, but just not seeing them as much.
Best wishes to you, and best of luck,
fredg |