I have a friend who is ruthlessly decluttering her house, one room at a time. I've not seen determination and commitment like it and for that I am in awe. I have told her this and she is fully aware that I desperately need to declutter too, but am putting it off to the new year (again!).
I also admire friend for her green credentials. She rarely throws anything she doesn't want out and will try to re home as much as possible via friends/ freecycle/FB market place etc. So far, so good. However...
I frequently (at least weekly) receive texts asking me if I want x,,y, z. 99% of the time I don't . When I say no, a debate ensues where she tries to convince me I need something and makes me feel guilty if I refuse.
Copy of conversation from the last couple of days 'Hi Rocking, would you like this vase?) (attaches pic) ' thank you that is lovely of you to offer but I have loads of vases already' . 'But this one is really unusual, you're not likely to have one like this' 'I don't but I really don't have room and as you know an also in need of a declutter too' 'lit's such a lovely colour' 'it is but not my colour scheme, it's a definite no'. 'Oh, thought I'd try you first as I was sure you'd like it. I thought it would be perfect for your conservatory, but what do I know Such a shame'
I then didn't respond any further.
I then see the same article offered via a couple of WhatsApp groups we both belong to and as least 3 FB groups As a one off, that wouldn't bother me but with so many different things it's really starting to grate.
The other thing that annoys me: On the rare occasion I say yea, maybe a book I'd be interested in, she puts it in a bag with other stuff I don't want or need so I then need to dispose of the stuff I don't want. One time I was out and she left a box of stuff with a message 'pretty sore you can use this stuff'.
I guess I live closer to her than the tip, plus she won't throw anything out until she's exhausted all avenues, but doesn't take things to charity shops because that is too much effort. So end up taking her unwanted stuff to the charity shop - after I've cleaned it because it's usually a bit grubby and covered in cat hairs.
I can't block her, and don't want to, but this is all making me irrationally annoyed. Any ideas how I deal with it? I have tried the firm 'please don't offer me any more stuff as I really need to cut down myself' but I was still then offered a yoghurt maker.as she was sure I could use it.
I guess it's my issue to deal with that it is annoying me so much, but also the practical inconvenience of then having to clean and dispose of what she doesn't want, and she doesn't live close enough to just drop it back at her house.
Maybe just this rant will help! Thanks if you've read this far