Anonymous wrote:Sounds like you've described Marie from everybody loves Raymond
If your need information about another family member, it's best to ask them directly. If that's not an option, then maybe this is information you aren't supposed to have.

Anonymous wrote:Bizarre question, because I realize this is not the majority situation. Some major family events have occurred. Mom is in the know, and basically the go to person. No one else in the family is very approachable. Mom manipulates and says things such as "oh yes, I will get you that information", yet never does. Mom is not one who has supported her family, financially, everyone has done for themselves since they were about 16, so it not a matter of anyone indebted to anyone. It is more a power play by mom who feigns ignorance. In this situation, is it best to pretend the information needed isn't so important to you (in order to get it)? How would you approach this. Again, I fully realize this is not the norm.

You know she is manipulative. You seem to fear or simply want to avoid others in your family.

Stop going along with these adults who are playing juvenile games, and don't play games yourself (don't threaten her, cajole her, don't do what you describe and "pretend the information needed isn't so important to you, in order to get it." That is all game-playing.

In person, without distractions, in a place that is not her own home (her own turf), stand face to face with her and say, "Mom, I want to know X, Y and Z." Be very direct; have a very specific question to ask and do not bombard her with lots of different questions; do not make it a question she can answer just "yes" or "no" unless those are acceptable answers to you. Do not do this with anyone else around she can turn to and say, "Oh, look how Adult Child is harrying me for things that I don't want to discuss!" or whatever poor-me manipulative crap or joking dismissal she can pull if she has someone else to turn to.

Be the grown-up because she isn't. Be the grown-up and stop worrying about how "approachable" others are -- are you afraid of upsetting them somehow? is this some information that everyone in the family dances around because it's so delicate?

"Mom, I am asking you directly and want a direct answer: Does Dad have cancer?"
"I wanted to see you because I have a specific question and I want a specific answer. Did Aunt Sally leave Uncle Bob for Cousin Vinny?"
Those are yes or no questions. If the situation requires more you are going to have to pursue it. Do it when and where she can't brush you off, turn to someone else to change the topic, or start folding laundry like mad to avoid even looking at you.

You already recognize that this isn't normal dynamics. Don't put up with it. Be THAT relative who just looks people in the eyes and asks the blunt questions. LIfe is too short to tiptoe around "major family events" because some people are so controlling that they want to keep everyone in line by controlling information.

If she remains a stone wall, tell her: "I've asked you very specifically and you refuse to answer me so I am going directly from here to ask Uncle Bob that same question. It's not a threat, it's just what I'm doing next because you want to control this information." Then go DO just that.

Like 19:05, I got it, too. If your family situation's like mine, OP, you're out of luck unless you can think of some fictional story that'll trick her into telling you what you need to know.

You'll have to be believable enough. If she's really invested in toying with people, you probably won't be successful (as you already know).

Sounds like you've described Marie from everybody loves Raymond
If your need information about another family member, it's best to ask them directly. If that's not an option, then maybe this is information you aren't supposed to have.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:If your mom has information about how you can write a coherent post, then by all means do whatever you need to do to get that information. Quickly.

Actually, I got it. I had a situation where I needed information from mom (who was the my father to be exact). I tried everything to get the truth. I finally did by threatening her that I'd never speak to her again, or take care of her. I finally got the truth.

OK, but seriously. What?

Anonymous wrote:If your mom has information about how you can write a coherent post, then by all means do whatever you need to do to get that information. Quickly.

Actually, I got it. I had a situation where I needed information from mom (who was the my father to be exact). I tried everything to get the truth. I finally did by threatening her that I'd never speak to her again, or take care of her. I finally got the truth.

Anonymous wrote:If your mom has information about how you can write a coherent post, then by all means do whatever you need to do to get that information. Quickly.

This.

If your mom has information about how you can write a coherent post, then by all means do whatever you need to do to get that information. Quickly.

why, if she's the outsider (you say she's the go-to person although she's never supported anyone which I don't get . . .) is she the keeper of the info? And if you are not close enough to approach others to ask for info, why is it so important that you need it right away?

Anonymous wrote:Wear a mask, disguise your voice, kidnap her, handcuff, blindfold and lock her in a closet, without food.

Trust me- she will talk!

This is a joke! Please do not take this seriously!

Wear a mask, disguise your voice, kidnap her, handcuff, blindfold and lock her in a closet, without food.

Trust me- she will talk!

You need to get something that your mom wants. Then you can negotiate.

Some major family events have occurred. Mom is in the know, and basically the go to person. No one else in the family is very approachable

Is this information you need to know or want to know? If you need to know it, you're going to have to get it from the people you don't think are as approachable.

Uh...what?

Bizarre question, because I realize this is not the majority situation. Some major family events have occurred. Mom is in the know, and basically the go to person. No one else in the family is very approachable. Mom manipulates and says things such as "oh yes, I will get you that information", yet never does. Mom is not one who has supported her family, financially, everyone has done for themselves since they were about 16, so it not a matter of anyone indebted to anyone. It is more a power play by mom who feigns ignorance. In this situation, is it best to pretend the information needed isn't so important to you (in order to get it)? How would you approach this. Again, I fully realize this is not the norm.