"Primitive" doesn't have to mean something that only a caveman would do. I was using the term - not in a negative way, really - but to describe a strategy that is like a simple tool or a blunt instrument. It's a strategy that is very basic and doesn't require a whole lot of thinking and fine tuning. It's not complicated. That's what I meant. Sometimes it's the best approach. It may be for me in this case.

I love small talk. The small talk didn't bother me. But it's small talk that seems to be largely about her. I think she's self-absorbed. You make a good point, if I'm understanding you: "Why hang out with someone when it doesn't feel good?" That's a really good question.

It may be that I've been overthinking this situation. She has told me that her family doesn't bother with her and accuse her of wanting everything to be about her. Up till now, I've thought what cruel people they are. Well, they've known her longer than I have. They don't seem to want anything to do with her, which I think is pretty extreme. But maybe they have a point. Maybe I'm just figuring that out.

If I don't want to keep having unpleasant encounters with her, then maybe I need to cut the cord. That's the simplest solution and, maybe, the best.