How to stop rich relative from money complaints

[Anonymous]

My relative is wealthy but they say they are poor and say things like they can’t afford a cup of coffee at Starbucks.

They probably earn $300k / year at least. They bought a third house, which might be causing the money stress.

I’m tired of hearing how “poor” they are. I’ve already tried talking to them less often and telling them they are not poor but that doesn’t work.

Any other ideas?

[Anonymous]

Who is this person in relation to you?

Just be blunt. Tell them that when you know they have three houses, it sounds ridiculous, tone deaf, and elitist to say they are poor. Then you can start calling them “poor little rich boy” or “poor little rich girl.” Hopefully that will annoy them and make them shut up.

[Anonymous]

Maybe they can afford a third house bc they don’t buy Starbucks.

Why do you care?

[Anonymous]

"I'm sorry to hear you are struggling. Maybe time to sell on of the houses?"

[Anonymous]

Can you give concrete examples of what they are saying? Are they crying for you to buy them a coffee or are they just explaining why it's too expensive?

[Anonymous]

Tone deaf and ridiculous. If you own 3 properties, you shouldn’t complain about not being able to afford a latte.

[Anonymous]

Just make some general remarks and tune them out. They are not going to change, but you can control your reaction to them. Been there, doing that.

[Anonymous]

Are you sure that’s a poor complaint and not just a comment about the outrageous inflation of the last three years?

[Anonymous]

OP is a whiner. No response to any questions.

[Anonymous]

This is so odd OP that I’m afraid I have to ask— are you often hinting at them to get your bill? Are you waiting for them to get your Starbucks order? Maybe that’s why they’re putting on such a weird show?

[Anonymous]

Just say something mildly sympathetic but not too interested. “That sounds difficult.” They will tire of it if you keep giving the same response.

[Anonymous]

They want to come off as being just like you, trying to get you to open up about your financial struggles. This person sounds bored and they just want some dirt on you.

[Anonymous]

"Donna, I don't know what to tell you - maybe you should sell your third house?"

[Anonymous]

Just agreed and say "Yes, you are house poor!", do you like me to buy you the Worlds Smallest Violin? And then just laugh as hard as you can every single time, if this doesn't stop then you go and get this the toy violin for $6.19, google it.

[Anonymous]

Just do some paraphrasing on repeat:
“So you’re complaining that you can’t afford a coffee at Starbucks when you own three homes. Do I have that correct?”

“Okay. I’ve got to go. Take care.”