My mum is widowed and lives fairly locally. She is still active and able to live independently, with a reasonably good social life. I’m increasingly finding her company very wearing. She is almost always negative and I have noticed a pattern where her extreme low moods coincide with the odd days where dh and I are off together, so I usually end up feeling guilty. We try to include her in things but she quite often refuses to join us. On the occasions when she does join us conversation is difficult with lots of yes and no answers to questions. She is quite judgemental and disapproving at times too.
This is a pointless post really as I know she won’t change. I know I’m not responsible for her happiness but it’s hard when she only really has me as family support.