Trying to fulfill needs

I notice that MonsterMustDie has been requiring a lot more of my attention lately. He seems to be looking specifically for approval and praise for his creative efforts. This from the man who, at best, has no interest in what I do.

Still, I'm trying to be positive and encouraging but that does not seem to be enough for him. I'm frustrated by this situation and I don't know how to deal with this or why it's happening.

another death in the family

I've gotten so used to no one calling that I have not been remembering to turn my cell phone on when I am not at work. A call from my brother came in tonight on MonsterMustDie's phone. He wanted to let me know that there was one more legal form that we both need to sign next time I am in Atlanta. Also, BTW, the cousin that we grew up with is dead. He committed suicide a few days ago.
My niece found out by accident, reading a facebook post by his daughter-in-law. No one in the family bothered to tell us what was going on. I haven't heard from any of my mother's family since her funeral and neither has my brother.

I asked how his inlaws were and got the latest news from my sister-in-law. Her family has been going through a lot of transitions. I told them we were okay, that I probably would not be able to make a trip for a long time because I am working two jobs now (hopefully, he can mail any forms we have to sign in tandem a just have a notary witness authenticate them), and to please not be such a stranger.