Hi, thanks for your reply. I haven’t been too assertive with him with confiding stuff about my life, since I haven’t really felt that much of a relationship and just overall don’t feel like there is anything new or important there is to talk about. While I wouldn’t say each call is a few hours, I usually spend 3 hours on the phone with him per week, since he calls two times. Thanks for telling me how to ask for clarification on a topic. I don’t have trouble being assertive when trying to talk, but I am just uncomfortable to hang up the phone and find an excuse (since he knows and has asked whether I am busy at this time). I have more trouble avoiding topics he almost always brings up, but I do understand that I must be more appreciative of his advice and find ways to be assertive. I have not yet remember saying I was grateful, but when I have said “oh, thank you for your advice,” he usually just says “oh, it’s no problem.” My mother can’t stand talking to him so I have not tried asking her to talk anymore and she usually hands the phone to me. This is usually because they don’t know what to say between each other and he just asks common/same questions. I can afford the time talking to him, but I often get bored and want to do something else. I really appreciate your advice on telling me to be more assertive though because that seems to be the problem when I try persuading or managing a conversation with him. I will start being more clearer and set times for our calls so it is easier to manage. I will also be less afraid to ask questions