[QUOTE=JRG;7167139]
Compassion doesn’t mean engagement. Sometimes things are not what they seem. Clear communicated boundries often take the guess work out of runaway feelings, on both sides.
If I where reading this thread and thought it was about me, I would be mortified. JMHO[/QUOTE]
I’m going to take a bit of a risk here and comment, because I kind of identify with LT a bit. I think I’m self aware enough to not get to that level, but I do think this is coming from a place of insecurity, loneliness, and a bit of social awkwardness or anxiety.
I’m that person that CAN’T leave a party or gathering first. Even if I’m late for something. It’s stupid, but I feel like I’m missing something or that everyone will start talking about me.
I’m the person who, when living at the barn, would rush around to tack up so I could go on a ride with people. I would feel (irrationally, I know!) hurt if I did not get invited on a trail ride.
I’m the person who, when finding out a couple friends went out for pizza and beer after riding, feels hurt when I’m not invited (even though maybe they just couldn’t find me before they left, or maybe they needed to chat about something personal, or whatever)
I’m prone to feeling left out or like people can’t stand me, even though it’s probably usually nothing like that at all and people just have their own lives and maybe their definition of the relationship is different from mine.
I overshare. Sometimes I say stuff that really should be kept between very good friends with people who are maybe only casual friends, because I have trouble telling the difference.
I think for the most part I am self aware enough to control this stuff, so hopefully people aren’t writing threads like this about me (I know people here IRL, please speak up if I weird you out, I’ll put a lid on it, really!). But, I kind of understand where LT is coming from. And as someone who could conceivably be in her shoes (at least, if I was just a little more crazy, I really don’t think I’m quite as bad), I would hope that there is some sort of gentle way to ease her into giving you some space.
From my perspective as a somewhat insecure but hopefully not totally crazy person, I think just saying stuff like “I had a really rough day and really need some time alone” is probably a good place to start. Put a pause on texting, definitely. You may not need to ignore completely, but never respond right away, and keep responses short and impersonal (“lol” or “that’s funny”)
Ultimately, she needs some sort of help getting self aware enough to realize there is a problem in how she perceives her relationships. That could (actually, most definitely will) take professional help. But in thinking about how I’d want someone to approach me if I was driving them nuts, I think being direct is probably best (“LT, I’m really grateful for all your help but honestly, I prefer doing x, y, and z myself, and I really need some alone time at the barn and a bit of distance in my life, too. I like you, but I feel like you’re putting way too much into this relationship and that’s a lot of pressure on me, and I feel a little uncomfortable about it.”) It will hurt her feelings. No way around it. But in the long term, it may really help her put things together and start taking more control over her behavior, or at least being self aware enough to put a cork in it.
I also think, as much as it sucks, you have to trust your gut if you think she’s stealing stuff or will act out if you “break up” with her - get a second pair of eyes on the horse and your stuff, definitely.
And of course, maybe my brand of crazy is totally different from hers and this would be a recipe for disaster. I just felt a little bit like I could kind of understand some of what LT is doing, even though most of it I’d never do myself. I might have, back in my twenties before I’d figured myself out yet though (not stealing stuff or being mean or taking it out on your horse, but other stuff, sure)
ETA: I posted this before reading at least a page of replies. She’s definitely more crazy than me. Wondering if maybe I should delete all of the above. Oh well. eff it. Continue into derailment territory, folks!