DEAR MISS MANNERS: I've had a tough year, and am blessed with friends who keep in contact to make sure I'm OK. My problem is that I have a few friends who call or invite me out under the guise of giving me a chance to vent, but they end up doing the majority of the talking. They also make me feel worse because they share all that's wrong in their lives, compounding what is going on in mine.
I tried having a conversation with one friend to explain she was making me feel worse than I did before she called, but she didn't get it. I've started blocking some of these people for my mental health.
Is there a pragmatic way of handling these Chatty Cathys and Debbie Downers without ceasing all contact with them?
GENTLE READER: You expect your friends to let you monopolize the conversation by reciting your problems, but do not want to have to listen to theirs? You will forgive Miss Manners if she does not get your explanation either.