DEAR ABBY: How do I politely tell people I don’t like having anyone visit me in my home? My home is my safe haven. The energy of the outside world drains me, and I don’t want that feeling inside my home. This includes family members, friends, neighbors, church family and anyone else who might come knocking on my door.
I have anxiety and some unresolved trauma I’m working through that contributes to this. I’m happy to meet in a public place or visit someone in their home if we are both comfortable with it. My family cannot understand why I’m like this. They think they have a right to my space simply because they are family. I don’t mind anyone thinking I’m weird, but how do I respond without feeling like I have to explain myself? — INTROVERT IN TENNESSEE
DEAR INTROVERT: Do not allow anyone to make you feel defensive. If you want to get your point across, simply repeat what you told me. It is succinct, it conveys your feelings, and your feelings should be respected.
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