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Domineering family members, how to do this nicely?

30 replies

InThePinkScarf · 06/12/2024 12:25

We have my aunt staying over with us at the moment. She is 60 and part retired.
It's tough enough having her live here but she also keeps texting me when I am out. Other family members too, but mostly me.
For example, yesterday I was out in the afternoon and she sent me three messages of which were just things she saw out and about and which could definitely have waited until she got home. I get she may feel a bit lonely but I am also not responsible for her as harsh as that sounds. It is massively winding me up and just wondered how to deal with it.
Normally I sometimes ignore the message or wait a while and just heart it but she still isn't getting the hint and a normal conversation wouldn't go down well.

OP posts:
Anotherworrier · 06/12/2024 12:38

three messages is hardly hounding. Unless there’s way more to this you’re being very OTT.

InThePinkScarf · 06/12/2024 12:37

You can have a good relationship with someone without them hounding you the minute you are away from them surely?
One message now and then is fine but this is everytime I am out.

OP posts:
username299 · 06/12/2024 12:36

Can't you just ignore the texts?

MounjaroUser · 06/12/2024 12:34

Why is she staying with you?

It sounds as though she assumes there's a friendly relationship between you, but you assume there isn't.

If you don't want to reply you could just put a smiley face after the first message then put "Sorry, busy" after the second and ignore all the rest.

Createausername1970 · 06/12/2024 12:34

If you feel that a direct conversation would not be appropriate then carry on doing what you are doing, just ignoring them.

What you could do is when you get home say something like "hey aunty, just looking at your messages now. Sorry, I was busy this afternoon and didn't get chance to check my phone". Make it clear that you aren't at her beck and call, but without making an issue.