TT,
At a recent family reunion, I met a distant cousin who works near me. We have had lunch and gotten together a few times. Shortly thereafter, I offered emotional support when she was having some problems at her job. I now realize that she is terribly needy and will not stop calling me for advice and support whenever she is upset, which is all the time. It’s like she can’t go to the bathroom without having a problem. Although we are related, there is no real connection between us. I’d like to continue having her in my life, but not like this. But then I feel guilty because she is family. What should I do TT? (Wykogee, Minnesota)
Wykoogee,
You have nothing to feel guilty about. Just remember, you can pick your friends, but not your family. The next time she calls with some of her nonsense, bounce back with some more nonsense, like her problems are due to the moon and earth’s magnetic interaction and to wrap herself in tinfoil, stand upside down and then walk out in public buck naked at sunset. Insist that she does this, otherwise you’re going to be really upset and then pissed off. And then keep pushing it and pushing it. I guaranty she won’t be bothering you for long.
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Tough Talk 