I hate to keep going on about my recent visit with family, but it was so good for me, it just keeps going. After being reminded of how important they are in my life, I started feeling bad about the 'separation' I'd instigated between me and another sister.

It wasn't like we'd had a fight or anything like that. It was just that some (most) of the things she likes to talk about, (usually my husband, church, or kids), and the way she chooses to talk about them made me feel very uncomfortable. It's not that I can't hear anything unflattering without wilting... but a steady diet of it? I'm sorry, but enough was enough!

Years of experience has taught me that to verbally protest only lengthened the barrage, with literally hours of justifications to back it up. I can't say why, but all of a sudden I knew I didn't want to spend my time that way anymore. It wasn't helping. In fact, I initially put up with it thinking that it was the bitter pill that I needed in order to make things better. After all these years, I suspect the opposite of being true. I ultimately decided to quit answering the phone when I saw that it was her.

It's been five months and we've barely spoken. Ironically, just when I was thinking I needed to forgive her, she called. She knows she's upset me, but acts like she has no idea why I would be upset by anything she's ever said, even though I did attempt to tell her. More justifications. Oh well. I forgive her anyway. I don't think she can help herself.

I'll probably continue to keep some distance between us by checking my caller ID and making sure I don't accept more than I can handle. I love her, and I know she cares about me. I just don't want the negativity that goes with it. Enough is still enough.