Quote:
Originally Posted by Tsukiko
Thank you for the response, Ruari. I believe you are right.
Her behavior pushes people away. The situation has gotten to the point where no one in the family can even hear her name without groaning afterward. I'm the type of person who needs active, constructive communication in order to maintain a relationship, though, so I'm thinking I'm going to have to love her from a distance from now on. But then I end up feeling guilty for not visiting with her. x_x The cycle of guilt and frustration in this situation is endless, it seems.
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That's understandable. Maybe just make it a regular, short visit? Like an hour, a few times per week? If you give yourself a set time with a set time frame, you will be prepared, and you aren't staying indefinitely, to the point where you're totally drained. If that makes sense.
I have a relative who I have had a tough time communicating with. It's not lying, her thing is anger...her energy is just really tough for me to be around, even though she is like a mother to me. She is just so disproportionately
up about everything. I used to actually stay with her for a week or so at a time (she is retired, and travels the country in a fifth-wheel), but that was really draining. I found it much easier to just have dinner with her, or just go to a movie.
Good luck!