I was ambushed again on my morning walk in the woods. Desperately lonely people attach themselves to me and have monologues about their: religion, pseudo-science, diet, How I saved myself from Western Medicine, husband's illness, etc. Is there a compassionate but effective way to disengage? I tried taking a new trail, she followed. I tried to redirect the conversation, but she was relentless. She wanted to know my schedule for walking, and I felt like I was being stalked. Is the following too mean? "May I speak for just a moment?Thank you. My morning walk is very important to me. I come here to listen to the birds and the wind in the trees and focus my thoughts to better cope with the turmoil in today's world. Your proselytizing is interfering with the objective of my walk and I would rather be alone. Have a nice walk". Suggestions?
6
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Blimey. Sounds like everywhere in Tacoma. In a queue, at the bus stop, everywhere.
I think it's literally the only time I'm glad I'm hard of hearing. All I hear is 'mrrmrrmrrmrrmrr' and I just smile and not.
memorylikeasieve
Level 7
June 8, 2018
1
Maybe keep it simple? “I’m an atheist” and watch her run?! ;-D
SunshineBee
Level 5
June 8, 2018
1
That was a good reply. If they don't get the hint, I would say:
"Please stop bothering me. I am an atheist. Go away NOW."
LiterateHiker
Level 9
June 8, 2018
2
That sounds like an excellent reply. It follows the BIFF model for dealing with any type of contact: Brief, Informative, Factual, Friendly.
I’m one of those people too, who is a magnet for strangers dying to tell me their life story.
CarolinaGirl60
Level 8
June 8, 2018
3
@CrazyQuilter I got it before I had Matilda (she’s almost 2)...but it’s even worse now! I love her anyway?.
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