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AIBU

Don't want to be unkind,but....

(30 Posts)
Thatsnotmeinthemirror Fri 28-Jun-24 16:54:51

I have,over the last few years supported ( emotionally and practically) an ex colleague who was having a difficult time. She was never a close friend but I was glad to help.
Her situation has now resolved and she is moving on. I am very happy for her but am also looking forward to enjoying my retirement which I have had to take due to disability.
My issue is that her sister has recently moved near by. I do not find her a very comfortable person to be around. She appears to assume that I am available when she wants help with anything . I have enough to do to care for myself which I have tried to explain.She is fit and healthy,financially secure ,works and has family who are near by. I have limited financial resources ,for example and when I declined to spend money she informed me I should " get a job then" . I wish ! I am usually quite assertive but this women has an answer for everything. I also find her quite manipulative. She invited me over for coffee and it became quite clear I was expected to help her with her spring cleaning.
My colleague has hinted that she finds her sister needy and demanding but when I ( kindly) tried to say how I felt ,she was very defensive. My colleague is moving away soon. I fear things will become worse re: her sister. She phones me often. If I dont answer she messages with increaing urgency . She will also get a neighbour to let her into my building to knock on my flat door. She knows i will mostly be at home . I love my quiet life and have my hobbies. But I'm beginning to feel stalked . I have tried to address it but was told that I'm boring. Aibu?

silverlining48 Sat 29-Jun-24 10:26:17

Maybe you might have another conversation with her sister before she moves away. She may think you will be taking over caring for her sister when you are clearly not.

VioletSky Sat 29-Jun-24 10:37:45

Reply to a message with something like "I wish you the best but I cannot be your friend because it's not a healthy friendship" and then stop answering completely.

You don't owe her any further explanation

Do not answer the door either, if there is no peephole, you could always get a ring camera installed so you can see who is there. Also ask whoever lets her in to stop doing that.

It's a very hard thing to do but it will be worth it, I promise

biglouis Tue 02-Jul-24 00:42:41

Some people are so thick skinned and entitled that you have to be very blunt with them. This woman has a relationship with you. She knows your weaknesses and is prepared to exploit them.

From a psychological perspective Ive often found that getting a "third person" involved does the trick. Third party intervention is a classic method for restoring the power balance into a situation which has got out of hand. The problem person has no relationship with that individual who suddenly rocks up and catches them on the back foot. When youve tried every other trick you have to play hardball.

They dont have to be aggressive. Just explain their concern that you are "upsetting my aunt/cousin/friend by doing X and I will not allow this to continue. Any further contact must be through me."

Ali08 Fri 05-Jul-24 05:44:50

If you're that boring why does she bother?
Supposedly, me thinx, because everyone else has had the gall to be upfront and rude to her so that she understands she isn't welcome at theirs...even her own sister is moving away! 🤣
Well, you don't have to be rude but you definitely need to reinforce that you are busy with your own life and she's somewhat in the way!
Or, every time she comes round give her some cleaning supplies and start her off in the bathroom, tell her your toilet needs a good scrubbing! Lol