Dear Aislynn:

The person who suggested to you personally to date Richard, the person who said or wrote to you about it- is the person to whom you say that you are not interested. Neither Richard nor Ava told you, Aislynn, that he/ she wants you to date Richard. So don’t talk to either one. It was your mother, am I remembering correctly, who suggested it to you? So tell her: not interested.

“Mom, you suggested I date Richard, Ava’s brother. Well, I am not interested.”

If she argues with you, ignores what you said, keeps talking about it as if you didn’t say that you are not interested, say anything of the like of: “my decision is final. I am not interested. Please don’t mention it again. Please respect my position, it is not negotiable.”

I know it is difficult and makes you anxious, so say it to your mother ASAP and get it over with, then had a cup of hot tea or a cold shower (depending on the temperature).

anita