Relationship is suffering due to friend’s constant talk of politics

Dear Abby: I have a friend who constantly talks about all the negative politics going on today. I’m sick of hearing it.

It’s not because I don’t care or disagree, but it has become the topic of every conversation. She’s extremely depressed, has major anxiety issues and, despite seeing a therapist, her condition has not only not improved, but has gotten worse.

I feel it has become a one-way conversation, and she’s not interested in listening to me.

This is extremely upsetting because my husband passed away two years ago, and she doesn’t want to hear about it.

She thinks it is less important since it “only affects me,” and I “should

Dear Overwhelmed: Please accept my sympathy for the loss of your husband.

Because you are still grieving, and your friend is unable to help you cope with your sadness, it might help you to join a grief support group in which you can air those feelings with others who understand.

As to your friendship with the troubled individual you wrote about, it might be healthier for you to step back for a time.

You are not equipped to handle — or help her handle — her anxiety and depression.

That’s her therapist’s job, and unless you can pry her off the topic of politics and on to something more neutral, your time would be better spent with people who are better balanced.