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I have a relative out-of-state that is so incredibly negative, pessimistic and depressing to talk to. I feel obligated to call and check in with her (since she’s family), but she ends up gossiping and talking badly about everyone. I feel worn out after talking to her! It’s impossible to get her off the phone…I’ve said dinner is ready…oven is on…someone at the door. I nearly have to hang up on her! Nothing works and I want to be a good family member, but she’s wearing me down!
Would it be improper to just drop her a card in the mail, send small gifts and stop calling altogether?!
Perhaps you would be better telling her that the gossip and negativity gets you down and that you do not want to continue it and then when it goes on a negative thing change teh topic to something a smidge more positive and upbeat. Try it you can probably swing the conversations around simply by calling her on the negativity and making it clear you do not care for it.