I’m at a point in my life where being focused and staying on track to attaining my goals is the main priority. However, it’s hard to do that when the person I talk to the most, my Mom, often complains of money and work problems weekly. I don’t think it is healthy for me to talk to her as much while I try to focus and make progress in my life and look at life on the bright side of things. I’m her only child and although she talks to many other relatives daily, our relationship is a close one.

She’s a great Mom and I love her but I can no longer hear her woe is me stories that I’ve heard my entire life. Her story is always the same even though she’s a lovely person. Her stories of always being the odd one out, men not finding her attractive, never being anyone’s favorite, how she’s never been married, how she’s never made a lot of money is too much for me at this time.

We live on different coasts but cell phones makes it easy to stay connected to the people you love the most. I don’t want to hurt her feelings, but if I have to in an effort to get to where I need to be, I will, lovingly (if possible.) She is not abusing me and she is not mean. I love joking and sharing with my Mom and even supporting and encouraging her when necessary, but even so, I think there should be less communication between us at this time for me to hear more of my own thoughts about life more than hers.

What is the best way to distance myself from her in spite of our closeness without hurting her feelings (if possible?)

Thank you.