Comeback for my mom?

[Anonymous]

I need a comeback, please.

I call my mom about 2-3 times a week, mostly just to check in since she’s a horrible conversationalist and serial complainer. It never fails that whenever I skip a few too many days for her liking, she will say something like, glad to see you could finally take the time to call, or, I was wondering if you’d ever call again. The thing is, she RARELY calls me. Maybe once a month. When I remind her that SHE can call ME anytime, she will tell me that she doesn’t know if I’m busy. But I can’t remember a time, especially in the last few years, that I haven’t answered her call because I was too busy.

So I know I’m not going to get her to call, and I know I can’t rationalize with her, but is there a go-to comeback I could use when she starts?

[Anonymous]

You know, if you keep giving me a guilt trip each time I call, it'll make me not want to call at all.

[Anonymous]

“When you make rude comments like that, I don’t want to talk to you. Let’s try this again tomorrow.”
Do not wait for her to respond.
Hang up.
Wait 24 hours.
Call again and be pleasant.

If she makes the rude comment again, repeat.

This is really easy and can be solved quickly if you’re consistent.

If the 24 hours is too much for you, say “When you make rude comments like that, I don’t want to talk to you. Let’s try this again in an hour.”

Wait 65 minutes before calling.

[Anonymous]

Mom since you constantly complain I never call you I don't want to make a liar out of you so I'll stop calling. Don't let her put you on the defensive because that's what she wants.

[Anonymous]

I really don't know why I call you because it's you complaining every time. It's getting old listening to the same thing over and over.

[Anonymous]

"Are you sure you are up for talking, you seem upset"

[Anonymous]

Life's too short to suck Lemons, mom.

[Anonymous]

Older people just complain a lot. Ignore it and fold the laundry while you half listen.

[Anonymous]

“Really? I always wonder if you’re going to call me. How about that. Did you watch the Super Bowl?”

[Anonymous]

Get her a gratitude journal. When she starts up, ask her how the gratitude journal is going.

[Anonymous]

Stop calling her so much.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:“Really? I always wonder if you’re going to call me. How about that. Did you watch the Super Bowl?”

I know people recommend this type of retort in a ton of situations but there’s just something icky about it. So fake, which I guess is the point after all.

[Anonymous]

Just tell her what you feel honestly. Not everything needs a clever comeback or script.

[Anonymous]

I don't think you should think of it as a comeback. It is never going to change your mother. I think you need to think of it as a boundary you are keeping.

Mom I love you and I am dong the best I can. If you are upset at me we can talk another time. If she continues to complain, say something like. Mom, I don't feel good about where this is going, I will try back another time. And then call her in a few days.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Older people just complain a lot. Ignore it and fold the laundry while you half listen.

This.