Quinquilharia t1_iu95and wrote on October 29, 2022 at 3:02 PM

By saying completely cutting them off is absolutely not an option, I’m inclined to believe that they have some control over you that you’re not admitting to

mercurysnowman OP t1_iu95nxa wrote on October 29, 2022 at 3:05 PM

we're going to be living in close quarters for a long time, literally, her dorm room is next to mine. i don't want to make things awkward.

BizzarduousTask t1_iu9rju8 wrote on October 29, 2022 at 5:42 PM

Dear heart, things are ALREADY AWKWARD.

Now’s the time to put your foot down and nip this in the bud or it’s going to ruin your whole school year. Tell them “I’m sorry, but I have a lot going on in my life at the moment, and I just don’t have the emotional energy to be a sounding board for anybody right now. I have to go.” and then turn and walk away. Don’t give them a chance to ask questions or try to get your attention- literally walk away.

If they’re a decent person, they’ll accept it and leave you alone. WIN. If they’re a selfish asshole, they’ll be pissed and stop talking to you. ALSO WIN.

Quinquilharia t1_iugx1oh wrote on October 31, 2022 at 6:29 AM

It sounds like you need to establish a boundary right up front. Because otherwise you’re going to be living with this for the duration.

’‘ I appreciate that you need to vent, but I’ve got my own things going on, and this is too much. “ You don’t have to be mean about it, but you do have to say something.

This person is taking advantage of your politeness. You don’t owe them an explanation. Just tell them you don’t have the bandwidth to be their emotional support person.