AIBU people in general are annoying

[Whyarealltheusernamestaken]

Anyone here who would rather read a book than spend a day/night having to talk about other people’s problems? Honestly I want to be helpful and nice but I’d rather not if I admit it. It’s different in chat as you come expecting problems...but every day real life, do you ever just wish they would go away and sort it out themselves, especially when it’s petty...

The petty stuff is irritating.

So someone's imposing on you too much?

It can be a bit overwheming when people stop you and start going on, it's like a tidal wave coming towards you - and depends on your mood and the context

Thanks lobster, maybe a wave is a good description of a bad week!

Everyone you know only speaks to you about their problems?

That’s pretty unusual.

She didn't say everyone

She said “people in general”, which rather implies she was talking about more than one annoying friend.

Maybe more than one Cavender but not everyone

Sometimes you do think 'oh jesus christ' though when you hear too much (especially if it's on a repeated basis). Not that you're unsympathetic it's a sensory overload.

I'm so with you OP. Was just thinking this this morning after waking up to a stream of WhatsApp's from a friend moaning about recent ex. Had the same convo a million times and my sympathies are running out now. Change the record love!

Have a few quality friends who fit your personality. I dont like many people but the few who are my friends I love and respect.

Cavender, not everyone I know, just more than I would like! I know some people with proper issues, I will always be there for them. But petty stuff...can I not tell them so...?

Snipples, maybe we have the same friend. I woke up to the same thing and it’s exhausting.

I agree I’m the number one go to when someone has an issue, it’s so draining and time consuming, the worst place is work, I give it less than 5 minutes tomorrow morning before I am engulfed with my colleagues issues and dramas, I would not mind so much if they were actually pro active and took on board some of my advice, we have been having the same conversation for about 2 years now, also would be quite nice if they asked if I had a nice weekend on the odd occasion.......I know everything about their life they literally know nothing about mine! I just tend to nod and look vaguely sympathetic now whilst carrying on with my work!

Of course if people are being petty and emotionally draining then you can tell them so. Kindly and firmly.

It sounds like perhaps you and Betty might have the same issue, perhaps try being a little less sympathetic.

I don’t mean to suggest that you should be unkind, just a little more brisk in your responses.

I agree cavender and I have tried that approach a few times but to no avail! It’s an ongoing issue and quite hard because they have MH issues so I do have to tread carefully with my more brusque responses, it’s a fine line unfortunately.

I think you have to keep at it until the message gets through.