Just spoke to my mother and my friend. They are both very toxic, triggering people.

My mom went on and on about her misery and pain.

I just keeps saying 'ah ha' as to show i am listening. Then said i loved her and hung up.

My friend kept trying to trigger me by probing about my marriage and talking about her romantic relationships and in general because she gets off on doing that. Again, i said 'ah ha' and listened, then every time she tried to get me to respond i said 'I don't want to discuss it'. She gave up and we hung up very nicely.

No drama when i don't participate! So proud of myself.