A concerned reader reaches out to advice columnist R. Eric Thomas about their 78-year-old mother who constantly views life with negativity and exaggeration. The mother calls in the middle of the night claiming she is on the verge of a heart attack or stroke, and exaggerates every situation to the point of lies. The reader lives three hours away and their siblings no longer want to deal with her drama.
The reader believes their mother needs help to overcome her anxiety and suggests speaking to a professional, but the mother refuses. Despite missing family occasions due to perceived ailments, she continues to resist seeking help. The reader is frustrated and unsure of what to do.
Thomas advises the reader to set boundaries with their mother and steer conversations towards solutions. They should communicate effectively, establish a plan for providing support, and redirect the mother’s attention to practical steps. Encouraging the mother to seek her own solutions and offering support when needed can help manage the drama and anxiety.
Ultimately, the mother must be willing to change and seek help for her negative outlook and exaggerated behavior. While it may be challenging, setting boundaries and focusing on effective communication can help improve the situation. Readers are encouraged to send in their questions to R. Eric Thomas for more advice.
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