I've been on the fence about some relationships over the past few years, stopping short of ending things with people that I have really begun to think are toxic.  There is one in particular who has gotten to be awful.  She gets very angry and loses her temper if you have plans with other people and have plans that don't include her. When you do spend time with her, you just feel like you are held hostage.  This has been culminating quite a bit since the pandemic. Our friends keep insisting on having these virtual zoom meetings when they have LONG worn out their usefulness, I'd say about six months into the pandemic.

I don't know why people try to force relationships and situations that should not be forced.  I have said time and time again that I am not interested in participating in the zoom meetings. There is one woman in particular who lives cross country, she texts incessantly throughout the day. I don't know what her issue is. I feel like she is forcing a connection, at least with me. When my birthday happens, I usually go out and do something. I've specificallly said I'm not interested in zoom meetings.  But, I get told, we must for the out of towners. Why?  I am not actually that close with these people-they are her friends. Why the obligation?

She sets up the dreaded holiday Zoom meeting, I can barely bring myself to log into these. I spend days dreading it prior, constantly making excuses.  Last week, we got in-it was Hell on Wheels. The one person who is toxic as hell was quite literally screaming and shouting-not taking a breath to stop-fully self-involved.  I turned off the volume and video and thank god that zoom only lasts 40 minutes now.  People were just sitting there with their jaws dropping to the floor, no one could believe it.

When we met for dinner for an event that I had, I was so glad this person didn't show up, I really feel that it would have ruined the event. My friend apologized for her.  I just gave her this look. She said they would come up with a way to fix it "next time." They always do. For me, there will not be a next time.