No peace for the wicked!

How did you see it thatbags?

As I saw it the OP was weary of certain people phoning when she wants to relax quietly by herself. As I see it, a person's allowed to feel weary of certain people's phone calls. That's why I suggested she unplug the phone when she doesn't want to deal with a wearisome friend. Friends do not have the right to disturb us at just any time. Or rather, one has the right to be private when one chooses without anyone taking offence.

And, also as I saw it, having a wee moan about something like this is okay too.

If it was just one needy friend, I'd sympathise and understand the problem. But the OP seems to have several of them, all phoning her every single evening...and all moaning about their problems!

You are obviously not doing enough to solve their problems, OP!

Perhaps the OP is simply a good listener and not very assertive. I picked that up from the original post too.

I'm sure the OP is a good listener, and a good friend too. But the solutions are so obvious.

I picked up on the Op being a good listener. And also about your wee moan. aye lol.

Do what I do....Don't bother answering the phone but keep in touch with them all on facebook. I have had a good old catch up with Sis-in-law this evening while ogling Poldark Aiden Turner, eating chocs and finishing a bottle of

Chuckle ?

I'm not very assertive, Thatbags- it's true, and as Ana says, I'm obviously not doing enough to solve peoples' problems.
Anyway, I have taken note of your wise advice, and switched on my answer phone. I have also turned my mobile to silent, and disabled Skype for the time being. There is now a fair bit of bleeping and flashing going on, but I shall deal with that when I'm ready.
Last time I did this, the Police knocked on my door,as several people were kind enough to be concerned that they were unable to contact me,and rang the Old Bill!
In fairness, I guess that was because I'm a bit of an old crock and rather disabled, so I could have had my head in the gas oven - or even been watching mindless TV!
This has been fun, and I apologise if I have rattled anyone's cage - it was not intentional.

Bless you. It is just an internet forum. Take from it what you will.

I'm feeling swamped. My husband died just ten days ago after a long illness. My daughter's marriage collapsed just days before, and she and her wee ones have moved in with me. I'm sure I should be glad of the company but I'm not. The children are of course unsettled and I feel I have to stifle my emotions to keep things on an even keel for them. Loads of their things have taken over my space. What I really want to do now is do what I want. Life for years has been all about looking after my husband. Now I want time for me. DD's marriage was chaotic and now the chaos looms over my life. Feeling swamped.

I have a one way relationship with a friend - by this I mean I'm always there to listen but it's not always reciprocated. It p----s me off sometimes especially if I'm feeling needy and she isn't there for me especially as she has a better support system than I have now I'm widowed.

I communicate with my sons by e mail mostly and they only ring if there's an emergency. This makes me very anxious if I answer the phone and it's one of my sons as you can imagine.

I have Sky TV and most programmes are on replay or you can record them. The same applies to most TV providers, i.e Cable.

In my world it's family, friends, TV in order of importance, sounds a bit smug but there we are

MeggyMay Hold tight - not surprised you're feeling overwhelmed. Xx

MeggieMay, I do feel for you, and I hope that 2016 will bring you some peace, and a resolution to your DD's problems. (((hugs)))

Caller display is very useful in helping to decide what to answer and what to ignore.