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I am a wife and a mother of three grown sons. I live in New York and am an equestrian. Most of my free time is spent riding and caring for my horses now that my sons are out of the house.

I give down to earth advice, as I tell it like I see it...and I've seen alot.
Gender: Female
Location: New York
Member Since: January 17, 2009
Answers: 281
Last Update: September 11, 2011
Visitors: 19493


In my apartment complex where I live for 18 yrs, I met an older lady about 6 yrs ago. I have been pretty close to her...she says friends, I think neighbor. I live alone, divorced, no kids. She was married 46 yrs, 3 kids, doctors etc... she has a good financial situation when her husband passed, I live on ssdi right now. It's not about money...she does alot with her kids, grandkids, I am always alone. I have alot of health problems but she doesn't believe me cause "I look so good".
She demands my time, makes me feel guilty if I don't feel well, basically she doesn't believe me so, again, makes me feel guilty for not being there for her whenever she wants. And when I start spending more time with her, then she says I'm bugging her too much. She doesn't ever want to here anything negative, bad news, just wants me to be her little susie sunshine. I'm facing great health problems,cancer and more. I really would like to "drop her" as a friend and just be cordial in meeting...the store etc...but I was brought up to respect my elders. What should I do? (link)
I had a similar situation many years back. A woman who befriended me because I was very nice to her got a little too attached for my comfort, to the point of showing up at my door at 8am every morning. It didn't start off that way, but it graduated to that. I had told her many times she should call before coming and that 8 am was just too early for me, but...she didn't stop. It actually got creepy.

Obviously, her company is grating on your nerves, and I can see why. Some people are self serving. They find it hard to think about anyone but themselves. Make yourself scarce. Don't answer your phone or door if you don't want to get together with her at any particular time or go out and tell her you can't you have a million things to do. I wouldn't feel guilty about it at all. This has nothing to do with respect. You've been respectful, she hasn't. Anyway, she's a little old for you to have too much in common with her and an occasional cup of coffee together would be fine, if you choose, but people like that don't always know the boundaries. You don't owe her your undying friendship. The more scarce you make yourself, the easier it will be for you to do again and you will have a sense of relief.

I wish you well.


Rating: 5
Thank you so so much. Your answer is comforting for me. You gave great tips and you understand. again, thank you.




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