Needy people...what to do?
I want a desolate island!
People want my attention on their lives and problems, they need someone to fetch their medicine, to bring down their garbage, fix the light - all small things, I know, but it is filling my screen completely until it´s done- and then I need time to remember, where I came from,but I seldom have that.
The communication with the social system fails, problems in my apartment are not being fixed, the lady in the next apartment is sick and needs help as well to contact landlord, my own cases fail and piles of papers have to be controlled once more and letters have to be written.
In the middle of it all, I´m standing here in my apartment that grows more and more messy. Everything disappears and I need time to make my lists, but the phone keeps distracting my thoughts: "Now what! What have I forgotten now?" I´m i chaos and the lives and needs of others and communication, that fails and other stuff seem to overshadow my own purposes and life. I´m on the verge of a meltdown or simply hysteria.
These days I feel entiteled to some peace, because of a bruised rib and morphine pills - but .........
How do I stop the flooding?
_________________
Femaline
Special Interest: Beethoven
Set boundaries.
It sounds like you're taking on problems that are not yours to start with, and you seem like a generous person. I've found that once NT's find out a person is giving, they can make a pattern to keep 'receiving' their help as much as that person has to give, and autistic persons are usually the last to figure that part out.
Take a step back, and focus on your needs, not those of others. That will help you manage your energy levels with what you need for yourself first. If others are exhausting you, separate yourself from the others, use NT-like excuses if you need to to turn them down, such as "I'm really busy, I would help if I didn't have so much to work on" or be direct and say "I hear your problem, it sounds like something you need to manage, I only have enough energy for my own stuff right now, and things are already overwhelming".
Help others after your needs are met. Otherwise, you aren't doing them much of a favor if you aren't in a place where you can effectively help them anyway if you're too distributed all over the place and unable to give enough energy for their wants or needs.
_________________
INTJ
Former game designer, therapist, professor
I'm a cross between a wiseman, a hermit, and a shapeshifter
Thank you for advice.
I know, but have to learn not to feel guilty.
I am learning to think: "It´s your garbage, and you can walk. I won´t do it", but I´m being kicked in the butt by my own habits.
I have actually used this some times: "I only have enough energy for my own stuff right now, and things are already overwhelming", - and maybe too often.
People get frustrated, see, because they typically have a bigger social cup to fill than yours truly and they probably manage the thought of tasks waiting better than I. They can´t fathom, why I can´t take it easy.
I have found out, that this isn´t a temporary state, but a permanent one.
I just have to learn how to explain myself so people don´t feel let down.
Thank you
_________________
Femaline
Special Interest: Beethoven
You know, really, the best thing is just don't do it. Even say you will, but don't. It won't take long for them to ask somebody else. And when they remind you, just say, "I forgot," and keep going.
As long as you give results, they will ask you again.
For example, I live in a place for people aged 55 and up. I ran into the woman who is a resident and takes care of the plants. I asked her to come and look at mine, because they are very big and I had just knocked all three over. She was very interested and chatted forever about my plants, but she never showed up. I asked somebody else.
Just "forget" what somebody got you to say you'd do. The guilt should be theirs but they don't know that.
My mother used to ask me to pick up her mail; it drove me nuts. People have no idea how much of a burden those things can be.
Thanks, I might try that - if someone won´t let me say no.
I do want to be helpful, but I also feel hijacked by some people and undone tasks can fill up my whole screen.
The bluefooted booby? Well, those big blue feet looks like a sort of humerous diversion, while the bird actually moves elegantly in water.
As I now read about it, it is actually rather interesting.
_________________
Femaline
Special Interest: Beethoven
I usually just don't reply at all if someone is trying to "psychic vampire" me. If you give them an excuse that gives them the opportunity to work around that excuse, or, you might feel bad for lying. So I just say nothing. And people know how talkative I am, so if I'm quiet it really bothers the people who know me.
This.
I literally have told people, "No. You have arms and legs" when they have asked me to do things that I think they can do on their own.
Obviously this is said in discretion. heh. And I do do things for others just because. But it does work for me because it puts the responsibility back onto them, and I no longer feel guilty about saying no.
It took a long time for me to figure out that just because I can do something, doesn't mean I am obligated.
I now see it as an act of love allowing others to do things for themselves. Being treated like an invalid when you are not isn't good for anyone's self esteem.
I can relate.
People try to use me because "You're on disability and home all day, I only do you a favor by handing you something to do for me"...
I tell them I will do it if I get something in return. Of course, they say, then they "forget" or "are too busy" etc. I tell them what they ask takes energy from me and they act like it was a super small favor I did that I could handle well.
Also I do have some people close to me who do need a lot of help, it's hard to say no then when I know no one else will help them. It is hard to know people will suffer because you did not help.
So I often put people before myself and my own needs. Another part, besides being too responsible, is that I have distance to their stuff, so it is still easier than to do my own stuff.
Once you did a few favors, you're trapped. It is sort of too late by then. They already got used to you helping. And you still are testing the water if it is worth helping them... So if you find out it wasn't, they still expect things from you, or "you're a bad friend".
The worst ones in my life are the ones who are actually worthwhile hanging out with, who are fun and inspiring, but on top of that, too dependent. It is hard to make them less dependent without losing them completely.
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