Some here might recall that last year I was apprehensive about Thanksgiving weekend in the presence of a toxic family member who creates a stress zone wherever she goes.
I'll confess now that it's OH's ex-wife whom we used to be friendly with until we realized that she caused him so much stress that we decided last year that we will see her now only on obligatory family occasions, not adding in the theater weekends in the Berkshires, at the seashore, etc. as we had been for nearly 40 years. That kind of family holiday made sense when his DD's were teenagers, but they are in their 50's now!
Anyway, she was worse than ever this past weekend--sort of like a bomb that we all have to tiptoe around. She can highjack the most innocuous conversation and turn it into a diatribe that's all about her and her (negative) opinions--then be very offended if anyone doesn't agree with her. We all try not to respond, but sometimes somebody gets annoyed and a row ensues.
So good to be home. I just feel bad for my darling stepdaughters who have to deal with this all the time. We, at least, can escape. They are on the phone with her a lot, listening to her complaints. Actually, I feel sorry for her--she's turning 80 in April and is so angry, hostile, and disappointed with her life; but it's easier to feel sympathetic from a distance.
Thanks for letting me get that off my chest!
I'll confess now that it's OH's ex-wife whom we used to be friendly with until we realized that she caused him so much stress that we decided last year that we will see her now only on obligatory family occasions, not adding in the theater weekends in the Berkshires, at the seashore, etc. as we had been for nearly 40 years. That kind of family holiday made sense when his DD's were teenagers, but they are in their 50's now!
Anyway, she was worse than ever this past weekend--sort of like a bomb that we all have to tiptoe around. She can highjack the most innocuous conversation and turn it into a diatribe that's all about her and her (negative) opinions--then be very offended if anyone doesn't agree with her. We all try not to respond, but sometimes somebody gets annoyed and a row ensues.
So good to be home. I just feel bad for my darling stepdaughters who have to deal with this all the time. We, at least, can escape. They are on the phone with her a lot, listening to her complaints. Actually, I feel sorry for her--she's turning 80 in April and is so angry, hostile, and disappointed with her life; but it's easier to feel sympathetic from a distance.
Thanks for letting me get that off my chest!
poor him because his pregnant wife also caught it & possibly her family as well where they spent Christmas. 
You are one of the kindest people on this forum--always sympathetic and supportive. As regards said toxic person, her DD's persuaded her to see a therapist--they are very concerned that her always-difficult personality is now showing signs of severe depression. She kept her first appointment and has made a second appointment--so maybe she will be able eventually to feel happier and to be easier to be around. OH and I will continue to keep our distance for our own mental health!
We are both left with ongoing coughs no doubt getting rid of the catarrh detritus but it's very frustrating continuing to cough & blow our noses. I don't feel I can get back on my exercise bike until I'm fully recovered but will have to do much better food wise next week to start losing my Christmas weight gain & at the moment I'm back to what I weighed in April last year so not at all good!
A good focus for me to make sure my new weight scales show a reducing me! I hope your next weigh in is a good one!
