ArcaMax

So yes, you did abandon your stepmother. Unfortunately, you don’t seem to connect your own impulses and behavior with hers: You both want to flee from an overwhelming situation.

My instinct is that your stepmother has made a shocking announcement in part to get your attention. I think you should react with equanimity. Do not attach to her desire to go away with another man. Do pay close attention to her desire to go away.

Tell her that you will stay with your dad for as long as she needs. Perhaps you could offer to “switch houses” with her for a week, where she stays in your house and you and your husband move home (she can visit during the day). Taking care of your father full time will give you some insight into what your stepmother has been experiencing. Express an interest in meeting her friend, and try to be open-minded until you have a clearer picture.

Dear Amy: I was brought up to not interrupt people. I am also an empathetic listener. I listen and ask questions. I congratulate and I comfort.

And I wait for a break in the conversation to bring up my own topic, only the break never comes.

Even when on the rare occasion that I am asked about something in my life, the microsecond that I pause to take a breath, the other person jumps in and away we go.

My friends are all bright and witty and I do enjoy listening to them, but I fantasize about saying, "But enough about you. Let's talk about me,” but of course I won't.

Any advice? — Perpetual Listener

Dear Listener: Quick-witted people can often run roughshod over conversations, but there is no need for you to be a martyr to your friends’ conversation style.

If you could train yourself to be a little more assertive, you might get more of what you want from these encounters.

When you want to speak, maintain eye contact. Hold your body straight, shoulders back, and lean forward a little bit. Put your hand up in the “pause” position. Maintain a positive physical attitude. Say, “Oops, wait a minute. I want to weigh in!” (Practice this at home…)

This is NOT interrupting. This is you participating and being actively engaged.

Dear Amy: Wow. You really called out “Frustrated!” She was actually jealous of her husband’s friendship with his former mother-in-law. Thank you for setting her straight.

My own ex mother-in-law and I stayed close until her death. She even insisted on meeting my (future) wife. Fortunately, my wife understood my attachment, and we both felt lucky to know “Mom.” — Grateful

Dear Grateful: I’ve received many very touching tributes to former in-laws.

========

(You can email Amy Dickinson at askamy@amydickinson.com or send a letter to Ask Amy, P.O. Box 194, Freeville, NY 13068. You can also follow her on Twitter @askingamy or Facebook.)