Response to Kimberly

Kimberly asks:

If someone makes you miserable every time you talk to them, and sucks the positive energy right out of your day, should you still talk to them?
What if you are related?
Do you need to offer up an explanation if they don't hear you anyway?
Do you continue to discuss issues with someone, when the person does what she wants to anyway?
Does a time come when you need to write someone off, even if you are related?
If so, how do you do so without guilt?

You've come to the right place. I am the absolute queen of making my own rules.

First of all, don't let other people make your rules. Just because someone has acted one way does not mean that a standard of behavior has been established. You have to then establish the more appropriate standard. I wouldn't suggest ignoring them, but do talk above them, use big words. They scare little people away.
If you are related--this one hurts. But stand your ground. Stand it, stand it, stand it. If you know you are right then that's all there is to it. You don't need to convince anybody of it. Your actions will speak for themselves.

The little guy just woke up. I'll continue this tomorrow.

Move over, Carolyn Hax!!