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I have an aunt who enjoys telling us about her spiritual explorations.
While I am certain she means well, she can be a little obsessive and sometimes seems to assume a lecturing attitude. Sometimes I would prefer to have a more open discussion instead of just listening politely and hoping she will eventually run out of steam (she never does). I am very irritated that she always wants other family members to talk about whatever she happens to be interested in at the moment and her “steamroller” approach to conversations. Any suggestions? Thank you!
Perhaps you could quietly note that you are drawn to spiritual leaders who lead by action and example rather than lecturing, how moved you are by the lives of Ghandi, or Mother Teresa, or Martin Luther King, or …
Having someone in my own family who was/is particularly fervent about his own relationship with God and who desperately wants to share it with others, I can understand your dilemma. Finding the balance of listening with an open heart and accepting their message willingly, versus feeling force-fed, can cause a lot of unintended anguish. Acknowledge your aunt’s passion on this issue and her desire to be helpful to you, and do seriously consider her message with an open mind and heart, while erecting necessary boundaries in a polite and reasoned way.
I don’t know if this is of any help to you, but hope that it is.