Dear Abby: Whiny, needy relative moved into my state. Now what?

DEAR ABBY:

A relative recently moved to my state and wants to get together more than I care to. This person had more than a year to prepare for the move, but didn’t plan ahead for many of the tasks and now is overwhelmed, needy, whiny and complaining constantly.

I’m now being asked for information regarding many of the personal services I use. My relative talks over me and doesn’t listen, so conversation is difficult. Aside from not initiating calls or answering my phone, have you any suggestions about how I can limit my interactions with this person? — KEEPING TO MYSELF

DEAR KEEPING:

If your relative has a computer or cellphone, email or text a list of resources they can use to acclimate to the community. (I’m thinking pharmacy, dry cleaners, specialty stores, etc.) And after that, be “busy.” VERY busy.

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Dear Abby is written by Abigail Van Buren, also known as Jeanne Phillips, and was founded by her mother, Pauline Phillips. Contact Dear Abby at www.DearAbby.com or P.O. Box 69440, Los Angeles, CA 90069.

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