Life & Style Ask Amy by Amy Dickinson

Elderly mother is stressed by sis' calls

   Amy Dickinson Amy DickinsonContact ReporterAsk Amy
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   it is scary to start over.

   These calls are very stressful for mom, and when she is stressed, I am
   stressed, as stress for her often leads to illness.

   Should ask sis not to call, or if she does call to just pretend
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   Is there a middle ground?

   — Trickle Down Stress

   Dear Trickle Down: You cannot ask your sister not to call your mother.
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   Your second focus should be on helping your mother to manage her own
   stress. Continue to reassure her that your sister has options, and that
   she is just blowing off steam. Simple meditation techniques could help
   both of you: Close your eyes, breathe deeply and visualize releasing
   these stressors as little balloons or butterflies that flutter skyward.

   Dear Amy: My husband and I have been friends with two other couples