Advice

I was sitting in the kitchen of the house that I share with my mother. My brother and his American family were visiting at the time.

My American sister-in-law placed a mobile phone in front of me on the table. My American nephew was on a video call, and I started to make some small talk.

He is a 27-year-old college graduate who has lived, worked and studied on three continents. We used to have a cordial relationship.

Then I noticed that his facial expression was extremely hostile, aggressive and bullying and I couldn't speak anymore.

He continued to glare at me without speaking. My sister-in-law picked up the phone after ten to fifteen seconds of this wordless video call.

A few days later my nephew arrived in Ireland. Our first meeting occurred when I was sitting in the kitchen and noticed that someone was standing one foot in front of my feet.

I looked up and my nephew's face and my sister-in-law's face were three or four inches apart. Their eyes were locked in a gaze, completely excluding me.

In order not to be intimidated I stood up to shake his hand and they left the room.

Is this bullying? What can be done about it? Any advice?