How to set boundaries with a self-centered, lonely aunt
A reader asks how to lovingly establish limits with an aging, widowed, childless aunt whose long-standing self-centered behavior and unrealistic emotional demands have exhausted the extended family.
Dear Eric: How can I lovingly set boundaries with an aging, widowed and childless aunt who is seeking more connection but whose long-standing self-centered behavior – dominating conversations, disregarding others’ needs and making unrealistic emotional demands – has exhausted much of the extended family?
In the last decade I’ve been her main support from the family, especially during her husband’s long illness, after his death and during her more recent serious health issues. She’s sensitive, lonely and not very self-aware, yet expects frequent contact and priority attention.