Singer Hilary Duff has opened up about the long-running feud with her older sister Haylie Duff, revealing the emotional toll of their estrangement. In a recent interview with CBS Mornings, the 38-year-old star confirmed that her new track 'We Don't Talk' addresses the rift. 'It's definitely about my sister and just absolutely the most lonely part of my existence is not having my sister in my life at the moment,' she said.
Duff admitted struggling with including the song on her album 'Luck… or Something' but noted that many others relate to similar experiences. 'So many people are having that experience and a lot of conversations I have with people are like 'yeah me too, me too, me too',' she added.
Psychologist Sian Khuman, principal psychologist and couple and family therapist at The Sydney Relationship and Family Practice, explained that sibling estrangement often has roots in childhood. 'Family favouritism, competition and jealousy all contribute,' she told 7NEWS.com.au. Differences in life choices, disagreements over caring for elderly parents, and reduced trust can also cause breakdowns later in life.
Khuman noted that the desire to repair the relationship is crucial. 'Some families have a system of repair and others do not. Siblings are more likely to try to make up if they have that modelled in their families,' she said. For celebrities, the public spotlight can amplify conflicts, but speaking out can also help others. 'People listen and want to relate to stars. It is helpful to hear that celebrities are real people with real problems,' Khuman added.
To mend such rifts, Khuman recommends hearing each other's perspectives and taking responsibility. 'If they cannot do that then family counselling is helpful to have a mediator who can understand both sides and assist in building more attachment and problem solving,' she said.
