... I know we can't be saints all the time and I try very hard to do my best and keep my patience, but once in a while ...
I'm ashamed to say that I lost patience today with mum constantly asking, and me answering, what day it was tomorrow. I cracked about the sixth time and said - sarcastically - "that would be Thursday, due to the fact that it's Wednesday to day". Ok, it doesn't sound like the worst thing, but mum's face crumbled and I know that she felt like I had slapped her down. Obviously, for her, it was the first time that she'd asked it, but I think my exasperated answer must have made her wonder if she'd been repeating herslef. That's what made me feel like a jerk.
If you can manage to answer each repeated question 'afresh', then it no doubt maintains a sense of normality. If, in any way, you point out to them, or hint, that they've been repeating themselves, then obv. it's upsetting for them. Normally I'd rather die than do it, but sometimes it just drives one bonkers. So feel rubbish about that. Every time it happens I have guilt trips about her dying overnight and then thinking that that's the last exchange we had .. but the reality is that we see each other the next time and, of course, she's forgotten it all.
Any tips for dealing with the repetition? My mum has what i would call (who am I to know??) moderate Vasc Dem. Her conversational topics are now down to a total of ... quick estimate ... about 15 different subjects, all with the same repeated phrases, laughs, asides, etc. Sometimes I think I'm going doolally listening to them. But I normally maintain a jolly exterior. I feel bad sometimes, as I think I must have a glazed expression on some times and she must think that I'm just rude.
Any advice?
I think I've exhausted the possibilities of 'mum bingo' whereby I'd guess which of her topics were going to come up and mentally tick them off if I was right - small victories and made me smile, which can only be good for both of us.
I sound awful ... just trying to stay sane myself
I'm ashamed to say that I lost patience today with mum constantly asking, and me answering, what day it was tomorrow. I cracked about the sixth time and said - sarcastically - "that would be Thursday, due to the fact that it's Wednesday to day". Ok, it doesn't sound like the worst thing, but mum's face crumbled and I know that she felt like I had slapped her down. Obviously, for her, it was the first time that she'd asked it, but I think my exasperated answer must have made her wonder if she'd been repeating herslef. That's what made me feel like a jerk.
If you can manage to answer each repeated question 'afresh', then it no doubt maintains a sense of normality. If, in any way, you point out to them, or hint, that they've been repeating themselves, then obv. it's upsetting for them. Normally I'd rather die than do it, but sometimes it just drives one bonkers. So feel rubbish about that. Every time it happens I have guilt trips about her dying overnight and then thinking that that's the last exchange we had .. but the reality is that we see each other the next time and, of course, she's forgotten it all.
Any tips for dealing with the repetition? My mum has what i would call (who am I to know??) moderate Vasc Dem. Her conversational topics are now down to a total of ... quick estimate ... about 15 different subjects, all with the same repeated phrases, laughs, asides, etc. Sometimes I think I'm going doolally listening to them. But I normally maintain a jolly exterior. I feel bad sometimes, as I think I must have a glazed expression on some times and she must think that I'm just rude.
Any advice?
I think I've exhausted the possibilities of 'mum bingo' whereby I'd guess which of her topics were going to come up and mentally tick them off if I was right - small victories and made me smile, which can only be good for both of us.
I sound awful ... just trying to stay sane myself