This is what I would try to do, but whenever I am assertive that’s when things go wrong. If I do what you say, I have no doubt they will come back into my life, and it is going to cause me unneeded stress. If I say I can have no contact, I will be accused of upsetting them at a sad time etc. Or asked why they can’t remain in contact etc? Then I would have to stop contact to avoid further upset, and this would make things worse than not replying at all, no? Just cannot make a decision as to what is best. Thank you.