Posted by Medusa on December 12, 2003, at 15:29:35
In reply to Re: how to phrase a slow-down request? » Medusa, posted by Susan J on December 12, 2003, at 14:59:28
> 1200 dogs. :-)
you'd think that'd keep her busy ... ;)
> her emerging personality might not seem so attractive to you.
>good point. for one, she has some V-E-R-Y ancient ideas about issues such as adoption and "foreigners".
>nosy and she's a gossip, right?not really - she didn't share personal details, just "nice stories". I think she doesn't have much going on of her own, and other people's lives are a substitute.
> And you are a private person and don't want to be subjected to that....am I way off base?
>you're right, I don't want anyone living vicariously through me.
> <<If you enjoy coffee with her, can you turn down everything *but* coffee?
>I wish I could, but I just don't want to! >;)
Coffee last week was painful. She went on about how this one couple was soooooo charitable for adopting two kids. GMABB, really. She also insisted that I save a lot of money by (insert hobby) and she didn't understand the concept of opportunity cost - that every hour I spend doing X rather than buying finished product is an hour I can't bill, and thus have to figure into the "savings", which don't exist in the first place based +only+ on cost of materials. I had the feeling that her husband was keeping her under control. Or something. He shut her up about my hobby anyway.
I think I might take her to lunch and explain what I can deal with and what not. If I can ever figure out what to say and how to say it.I don't expect miracles. Her main activities outside the house seem to be shopping for and wrapping up care packages, and shopping for and having altered clothes for herself. I got the impression that she doesn't have a bank account of her own - once at coffee, her husband handed her, um, _gobs_ of cash. Like way, way more than a month's household expenses, unless you're buying rooms of new furniture. Which is what made me question the bank account thing, which represents a bigger divide than what she spends does.
Yeah, you're right Suz, it's the personality I'm just not jiving with.
> She'll figure it out soon enough.
>Oh dear Snoozin, you have far more faith in humanity than do I. And remember, this is All About Me! Me Me Me ME ME ME!!! and my communication and social skills.
> Good luck.....Susan
Thanks.
poster:Medusa
thread:289129
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/social/20031207/msgs/289168.html