I have a little hectic situation with my best friend and her ex-husband, who happens to be my bro-in-law. My question is a little over 250 characters. Is anyone interested in hearing a little more? I'd love your opinion.

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Danae Hitch Profile
Danae Hitch answered

You can tell you that you value her friendship too much to offer an opinion in this and the best option for you is to be Switzerland, which is a neutral country. Tell her it's not in your nature to pit people against each other; you'd like to remain friends with everyone and the best way for you to do that is to let the situation get sorted out without you butting into the argument.

It's unfortunate when people try to drag you in the middle of something, however, just keep saying - not my circus, not my monkeys. If you need to take a step back from everyone for a week or two to preserve your sanity, you might consider doing that. Good luck.

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Danae Hitch
Danae Hitch commented
It will be hard to separate your emotions from this, Lou, however, when she goes to "vent", hold your hand up to stop her and say, "I'm really not the person you need to talk to about this as I am close to both of you." Repeat as necessary.

It's hard to not respond to her as her emotions are bleeding all over the place. However, remember when you react emotionally, she has sucked you in again. When you step back and breathe before you say something, it's you that will win that round. She may never "get it" and if she never tries to move on, then just release this situation and let it go.

You've done all you can to remain neutral; step back, breathe and remember what's actually important in this. Your niece.
Lou Pitts
Lou Pitts commented
^^^Thanks again for your input, Danae. Excellent Advice.

While her ex stayed with us, she continued to be mean and nasty to me - sending me texts at 7am in the morning, trying to start problems. I told her to stop being mean and that she is going to regret her behavior one day - it's ridiculous. We even invited her and the kids to go swimming with us that night. She hasn't called or texted me since (which I'm actually okay with - I need a break!) and she definitely hasn't offered an "I'm sorry." I really don't think I can continue being friends with her if she can't SEE that she mistreated me. I will just sit back and let her do the work as she is the one who started all of this - I told her I didn't want to be involved.
Danae Hitch
Danae Hitch commented
Yes, I think that's best. You won't regret trying to be the adult in this.
Walt O'Reagun Profile
Walt O'Reagun answered

Without even hearing the details, I can say the best advice when dealing with an issue between individuals that you are not responsible for:

Don't get involved.

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Lou Pitts
Lou Pitts commented
The difficult part is that I really am keeping out of it and I told her specifically, "I can't be in the middle." Because I am not being her cheerleader ( and in actuality, I DO NOT agree with how she is handling things), she is accusing me of being on "his" side. My bro-in-law and I are fine because he doesn't put me in the middle, she does. Should I just tell her to take a hike? I'm really tired of it. I love my niece though - and she will keep us from seeing her. That's kind of what the situation is about anyway. Time heals wounds, maybe?
Walt O'Reagun
Walt O'Reagun commented
Unless she has sole custody of your niece ... and her ex (your bro-in-law) has NO visitation ... there is no way she can prevent you from seeing your niece when he has visiting.

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