It's hard trying to follow an act like Gary's two posts! He gave excellent advice.
I would like to add that I have learned not to be surrounded by what I call "toxic people" who's chief aim seems to be to find fault and be critical of everything you do...or are thinking of setting out to do.
I'm not talking about constructive and meaningful criticism whaen asked for or given in the right spirit, but the constant negativity that does nothing but drag you down or leaves you drained after they've gone home! This includes relatives----kids and/or parents!
I recently had an incident with someone who was doing his level best to make me feel guilty for not doing something for him, although it would have been extremely difficult for me and my hubby to do with the health problems and lack of funds that we are going through at present. I was quite surprised at the request.....and was justified in "just saying "no" when asked, but it caused a big rift in our relationship.
Fortunately, when all in the rest of the family heard about it----they were incensed and angry that I was even asked to do this thing...so no one except this one person is pissed off at me, thank goodness! But my advice to stay clear of people who are always on the "gimmee---gimmee" end of the fence and are always whining about how everyone else owes THEM something---like the bible says....from these turn away, LOL! You KNOW who they are!
I wished I'd learned this (and how to tune them out) and not to let their attitudes affect me....many many years ago.
