<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Always searching:
This worked for me. Call the telephone company and request a new phone number because you are being harrassed. Sometimes they won't charge you the $65.00 or so to change your number if there is a problem. Now, get it unlisted. It costs around a dollar for that a month. Don't call her or don't have your boyfriend call her directly from your phone. If he calls her from your phone, then it will pick up on her caller id. That is another thing. Do you have a caller ID? Get one. If it is her number or an unrecognized number, then don't answer it. You have to be in control of your phone. You pay the bill. You have the right to talk or not to talk with anyone you want. People think that it is a rule that can't be broken that you MUST answer the phone. Once you realize that you are not obligated to answer the phone at all, then your life will be free of aggravation from her or whomever you don't want to talk to. Get an answering machine. Never answer the phone. Let it be a recording..."We are sorry but we can't come to the phone. If you want me to return your phone call, please leave a name, number and a time to return your call." Then if she rants and raves, you have it all on the recorder. Use it against her. Get pro-active instead of being on the defensive. She isn't next door so she won't be in your face. YOU have the control. YOU have the power. She doesn't.
I had one more thought...don't engage yourself in conversation with her. Just don't do it. Who is winning if she gets you into an argument? She is. My favorite saying (and I learned it when I was having problems with my husband's ex) is
DON'T GET INTO A PISS FIGHT WITH A SKUNK BECAUSE YOU WILL END UP SMELLING LIKE A SKUNK.
[This message has been edited by Always searching (edited August 23, 2000).]<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>
Thanks for the GOOD advise and I will use it.