Women who’ve dealt with chronically negative female relatives — how did you manage the relationship without going no-contact?

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If you’ve had to deal with women in your family who constantly complain, bicker, or vent — how did you protect your peace while staying connected?

Comments

  1. penisdevourer Avatar

    You can’t. The only way to protect yourself is either avoid them or do something to make them avoid you. Can’t connect with someone who doesn’t want to connect with you and only wants to tear you down.

  2. lostmymarbles07 Avatar

    Simply restrict my in person/phone/social media interaction with them. Keep it short and polite, like a coworker.
    ‘Hey im actually at work and cannot use my phone! I’ll get back to you’
    ‘hey I already have plans for that day! Sorry I just work a lot!’
    If they say something I don’t like, I’ll ignore it or smile and walk away. 10 years ago, I probably woulda cussed them out.

  3. Own-Addendum-8936 Avatar

    Unfortunately, there’s no better way to without going NC. Sure, you can set boundaries, but if these female relatives are as chronically negative (I’d even go so far as to say toxic) then they don’t know the meaning of the word or don’t respect you enough to abide by said boundaries.

  4. Sapphire_Dreams1024 Avatar

    I dissociate from conversations and just wait until theyre over because I cant cut everyone in my family out

  5. Kelly_the_tailor Avatar

    Reduce the interaction to an absolute minimum. Pretend or act or put on a disguise if you have to. Always tell yourself that your sanity is more important than pleasing these toxic people.