Writing for my mum

[SusieTrevelyan]

My mum belongs to a social group of pensioners where one newish lady is always trying to be at the centre of everything. She bakes the best cakes, gives gifts to people, is always the first to offer an opinion and hog social media and belongs to every voluntary group she can. Mum used to enjoy this group but now finds this woman doesn't allow anyone else to talk without butting in and talking about herself and what she does. Any advice as this social outlet was one mum used to enjoy.

Sorry to hear your mum is feeling pushed aside @SusieTrevelyan What do others in the group think?

Baking the best cakes isn't really the new woman's 'fault' if she is either naturally talented or prepared to put a lot of work in.

Is gift-giving normal in the group? I wouldn't have thought that was something that could continue indefinitely, she'll run out of ideas if not money.

Butting in - if she's interrupting people your mum might need to be politely assertive - 'Sorry, do you mind if I just finish my conversation with Jane before we talk about your holiday?' or similar. If she's simply joining in, that might just be because she is new and wants to get to know people and make her mark.

I would give her time to settle down and no longer be the 'newbie' in the group - she might take a step back and form her own circle within the group.

If not, could your mum do some activities away from the venue the group meets, with a smaller group of people?