DEAR ANNIE: What started out as a friendly gesture to help a neighbor’s family and pets during an emergency has somehow turned into our obligation to be their “service people” in noncritical situations. Now there are frequent requests to pet-sit or dog walk, even coupled with checking in on their fully functioning live-in relative while they are out of town or on vacation. My husband and I retired for time together and our own family -- age ranges from 4-90 years old -- and since the pandemic has somewhat eased, there is an opportunity to enjoy small gatherings. Therefore, we are not always available OR on standby for their next event. Despite the word “no,” the calls keep coming. Any ideas? -- Being Taken Advantage Of
DEAR TAKEN ADVANTAGE OF: Actions speak louder than words. So if your words “no” are not working and the calls keep coming, then simply stop marching your feet over to their house. You have the choice whether or not to do what they are asking of you.
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