Dear Judy,
I have stomach cancer, and am not expected to continue much longer. I have a good friend who keeps texting me: every bit of crap (he calls it “information” or “the latest”) there is on stomach cancer.
Like if I read it, the disease will go away.
Right now I don’t want to read anything. Just take my pain-killers. How do I get the guy to stop?
Frank
Dear Frank,
Friends can be difficult when you’re very sick, can’t they?
Here’s what I’d suggest. I am sure you’re in no mood for confrontation right now. Especially with an old friend. So try contacting a mutual friend, someone with a lot of common sense, preferably.
Tell this mutual friend what you just told me. Tell him to call your old buddy who texts you and get him to stop. I bet that will work.
Take care. Get some rest. And thank you for writing
Judy
Just stop reading them. Open other Emails that you want to read, and soon enough this “friend” will get the message.
The truth is the best.
1. Tell them the truth… “.the messages are bothering me. ”
2. Ask for an action….”I would love it if you would come sit with me”
3. Thank them….”thank you for caring about me so much”
This accomplishes several things, it keeps the communication open, give the person an action if they choose to “do” something and it allows you to be thankful for the support. Advice to be used by the unsick as well
I must say Jeanne’s advice is more delicate, productive and just plain better than mine. I have a lot to learn from her. I think everyone does!