How can you tactfully handle people who call all the time and just want to chat? I have a new, elderly friend, who I know needs company, but she is calling me 3-4 times a day wanting to talk (or whine) for hours on end. I have tried to explain that eventhough I work at home, I am working, and don't have a lot of time to chat. I care about her, and have been trying to limit the time spent on the phone (and help direct the whining) but she either doesn't get it, or somehow I'm not making it clear. I don't typically lie, but lately I have been finding myself making excuses....but I'm running out! Does anyone have any suggestions?
2006-09-25 12:26:10 · 8 answers · asked by jazzzame 4 in Family & Relationships ➔ Other - Family & Relationships
Say very nicely, "Oh I'd love to chat with you, but I'm working right now. I'll have to call you back at around 7pm" (or whenever) Then say goodbye and hang up.
She can't waste your time unless you let her. If you're concerned about being mean, I don't think she cares-- not respecting your work and time is mean of her. Stop making excuses, just keep repeating the same line over and over and over until she learns to respect your time.
Try it with me...
"Oh I'd love to chat with you, but I'm working right now. I'll have to call you back at around ____. Bye now."
"Oh I'd love to chat with you, but I'm working right now. I'll have to call you back at around ____. Bye now."
"Oh I'd love to chat with you, but I'm working right now. I'll have to call you back at around ____. Bye now."
"Oh I'd love to chat with you, but I'm working right now. I'll have to call you back at around ____. Bye now."
"Oh I'd love to chat with you, but I'm working right now. I'll have to call you back at around ____. Bye now."
"Oh I'd love to chat with you, but I'm working right now. I'll have to call you back at around ____. Bye now."
"Oh I'd love to chat with you, but I'm working right now. I'll have to call you back at around ____. Bye now."
"Oh I'd love to chat with you, but I'm working right now. I'll have to call you back at around ____. Bye now."
"Oh I'd love to chat with you, but I'm working right now. I'll have to call you back at around ____. Bye now."
"Oh I'd love to chat with you, but I'm working right now. I'll have to call you back at around ____. Bye now."
2006-09-25 12:34:07 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
It seems as though you truly care about this new elderly friend so I wonder is there a certain time of day that you might be able to set aside just for this person? If so you may re-explain to them your time issues and ask the person to call you back at a certain time or maybe you can go to the person's home for that certain time. Just make the person understand that the time is limited and you will have to go at a certain time.
Maybe that will help.
2006-09-25 19:35:22 · answer #2 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Caller ID these days is included in all calling packages.
The other thing is that you can set aside a certain day or night of the week to give her so that it satiates her need for someone to talk to, and it can be a time that's convenient for you.
2006-09-25 19:34:46 · answer #3 · answered by paintgirl 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Best thing I can tell ya is dont answer the phone..I know its rude but give it a try and see if she calms down on the calling...or find her a friend..give her the number to someone you know that could also use a friend to talk to.
2006-09-25 19:31:41 · answer #4 · answered by blondemom133 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Unplug the phone,you have to.Your work is your livelyhood.Yes it is a shame she is lonely,you could make arrangements to go round twice a week.White lies are acceptable.If what you are telling her is falling on deaf ears,then unplug,or say you had to go out,but will see her as arranged.If you get caught on the phone,try,oh someone is at the door,got to go.Or pretend you have a workman in.Any nonsense will do.
2006-09-25 19:36:49 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
1) caller ID - let it roll to voice mail - except once a day, chat for a minute
2) when you're done talking - just say, "I'd love talk more, but I've got a ton of work to do - talk to you later this week."
2006-09-25 19:39:53 · answer #6 · answered by RT 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
caller ID or an answering machine , you can then call back at your leisure you can take the first call of the day and then say i will call you later i am right in the middle of something later on take a few Min's to call and talk to her
2006-09-25 19:32:53 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
well you really don't have to answer the phone..it will save her from being hurt..and i can tell that you really don't want to hurt her feelings..so just don't answer the phone :)
2006-09-25 19:33:36 · answer #8 · answered by sugar_pop_01@yahoo.com 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋