Why the insistence on 24/7 togetherness during visits?

[Anonymous]

My mom I like this. I actually think deep down she wants to go hide in a room somewhere but feels obligated to sit with everyone else. So she gets really mad if anyone else dare leave. It makes visits exhausting for everyone. Why she can’t just admit she needs a nap or wants to be alone?

[Anonymous]

To all people complaining, I get you. But does not it help to just say: good chatting with you. I promised I would call my cousin/ rabbi/ help my child’s teacher organize readers list. I will see you in an hour and can help with dinner.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Extroverts truly don't get that it is actually normal and OK and not rude to want a few breaks to recharge and enjoy some peace and quiet.

I swear, my MIL fills silence. Every breath is filled with chatter. There is no such thing as companionable silence, in her view.

My local mom does this. I've posted before that I have traveled with her and she talks non stop. I've tried listening to the radio or satellite radio in the car...even announce that I want to hear a program...she'll be quiet for about 2.5 seconds then starts up again. She thinks it's so rude to not be fully engaged in some rambling chatter. And, it's all one sided. She talks about herself, her friends, my siblings, anything and everything. Sit quietly and read a magazine? Watch tv? Absolutely not. I've boarded a plane with her and she brings nothing to do. Expects to talk. I take a Xanax and sleep.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:To all people complaining, I get you. But does not it help to just say: good chatting with you. I promised I would call my cousin/ rabbi/ help my child’s teacher organize readers list. I will see you in an hour and can help with dinner.

16:18 and yes, this might work, depending, but when I don't return in whatever she deems reasonable like 30 minutes (going out for a run) she'll start asking everyone when they think I'll be back. She notices if someone has left the room and will then age depending, worry or ask about the person. Then when you come back she'll ask a million questions, "How's Rabbi Levin? How's his family? Did you get your questions answered? What were you calling him about again?" It will all come back to bite you in the ass, but anything for a reprieve I guess.

[Anonymous]

I had somewhat the opposite problem over Thanksgiving. We had friends and my sister's family visiting, and both of them basically disappeared every day after breakfast, returning just in time for dinner. Then immediately after dinner they would retire to their separate corners. Between cooking, serving and clearing, I barely had a meaningful conversation with any one of them.

But -- still better than having a bunch of ants on my couch log asking why Jim's taking so long in the bathroom.