So here’s the thing with family – most are great but there are some who aren’t nice or maybe they are sometimes nice but consistently behave badly… which to me means they aren’t … all that nice. Anyways…
People like this use others. They appear when they want something. They bring nothing to the party but drama, troubles and tears.
I’ve made a conscious effort to rid my life of them. None of the ridding has been done without reason. And, it’s taken years, but I no longer feel any obligation whatsoever.
Such a relative has re-surfaced and this time is manipulating an elderly auntie to do her bidding. To weasel her way back into our lives.
Here’s a recap of a recent phone conversation between me and said auntie:
Her: “I saw so & so the other day and we were talking about how nice it would be for all of us to meet up for lunch … so she suggested I set it up.”
Me: “Oh .. thanks but no.”
Her: “Well she just really misses seeing you and it would sure be nice for me if we could all be together.”
Me: “Yeah … I hear what you’re saying but no.”
Her: “Well it won’t be till later this fall .. so you have time to think about it.”
Me: (getting angry) “OK, here’s the thing: I don’t trust her, I don’t like her, and I don’t want anything to do with her. She’s sneaking around and using you to get to me. I’m sorry this is not the answer you hoped for but please hear me when I say, no, I’m not going. Ever.”
Her: “Well you just think on it and let me know.”
Me: “GAH!”
As trying as the conversation was, I can smile now.
Why? Because, once again, I’ve learned that saying no translates into a big, fat YES… for me.
~ ~ ~
What’s your strategy for dealing with snakes? Run? Hide? Stomp? 🙂
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