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Old Nov 04, 2003, 10:24 AM
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somebodyelse somebodyelse is offline
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Member Since: Oct 2003
Posts: 155
I often feel that way when I'm surrounded by people, no matter how much I love them. In fact, when surrounded by those I love, I feel more pressure to pretend to be my old self, which takes a huge amount of energy.

When my son brings his 4 yr. old and 18 mo. old boys, I spend time playing with them and helping to care for them; but my son knows that I REQUIRE some time to be alone during the visit. It gives me a chance to recharge my batteries so that we can all enjoy each other when I feel better. I have also told my son not to leave the boys with me for long periods of time, unless it's time for them to go to bed. I just get overwhelmed after awhile and have to take a break.

Could you just tell your family and close friends that, at some points during their visit you will have to excuse yourself for awhile so that you can have some down time? You should also tell your daughter that you sometimes become too exhausted when she leaves her daughter with you, and to always ask if you feel up to it prior to making any plans to do so.

Just my $.02