They’re regulars at a neighborhood eatery, and an intrusive couple seem to be tracking when they’ll be there.
My husband and I frequent a neighborhood eatery. Recently, we have been running into another couple we know only slightly, who will then join us. They do not live nearby and heard we often dine there. They comment on our deviation from our usual schedule when we run into them.
You never “have to” explain yourselves. Not to anyone, but certainly not to people you barely know and are growing to dislike. So let your answers sit there unadorned. It feels weird, especially at first, but here’s a love letter to conversational dead air: When you show you’re not afraid of it, people can’t leverage your discomfort to get what they want.You also aren’t socially required to keep your discomfort quiet.
United Kingdom Latest News, United Kingdom Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Carolyn Hax: ‘Footloose’ boyfriend is anxious about being tied downBoyfriend doesn’t want to feel tied down, or to break up, or to consider any of his partner’s ideas for a compromise.
Read more »
Carolyn Hax: Is she a hypocrite if she stays with her cheating husband?She always told herself she would leave if her husband cheated. Now that she’s in that situation, she’s not so sure.
Read more »
Carolyn Hax: Expectant parent is overcome by anxiety from past pregnancy lossesExpectant parent, “terrified” of a third miscarriage, tries not to dump that anxiety on pregnant wife.
Read more »
Carolyn Hax: What does boyfriend’s mom mean by giving him a book on marriage?Boyfriend’s mom sent him a book of tips for a successful marriage. Is there a message in that?
Read more »
Carolyn Hax: Overwhelmed parent resents that partner takes time for himselfA parent who doesn’t “have time to shower” wants partner to spend his free time on their household, not on himself.
Read more »
Carolyn Hax: Parent embarrassed that college-grad son is a bartenderWhen people ask, this parent is embarrassed to admit college-grad son works as a bartender.
Read more »