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From Chatty Cathy to Drama Debbie

by michelle kemper brownlow  posted Wednesday, November 17, 2010
filed under: michelle kemper brownlow
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Guest blogger Michelle Kemper Brownlow: "How are you?" is a common nicety. We say it even when we don't care. And most of us will reply, "Fine, and you?" However, there are people out there whose lives don't exist without drama, and your simple question turns into you talking Drama Debbie down off the roof.

women talking
I have a friend who attracts this type of person. I don't know why. Neither does she. But it never fails: She makes a new friend on the PTA or sits next to the same mom at soccer practice, and WHAM: this Chatty Cathy whom she has enjoyed for the last month or so turns into someone who could win the Drama Queen of the World award. 

There was one day when I ran into my friend and said (of course), "How are you?" She began to tell me of the saga she was going through with the drama-queen friend she'd met at Pilates. The poor woman she spoke of had recently found her mother at the scene of a botched suicide, was the victim herself in a neighborhood plot to have her investigated by Child Services and had fallen into a mortgage scheme that lost her the home that had been in her family for a century. What do you say to all of that? "Can I make you cookies?" There is NOTHING you can say. So what do you do? 

Well, my honest advice is, first and foremost, do NOT turn away from Drama Person. There is something in your spirit that gives this person the comfort level she needs to share even the darkest parts of her life with you. To her, you are a gift. 

Second, pace yourself. You cannot take on this woman's drama daily; her stress will become your stress ... and your family's stress. When she calls or texts, don't be immediately available, but make sure you respond when the stress of your day has subsided and you can give her the attention she deserves. She needs to know she can lean on you, but she needs to learn to rely on herself, too. 

Third, if it appears that she is going down a road you are not prepared to deal with, refer her to a professional who can walk her through it in a safe manner. But keep in touch. Check in. Send a card or a text out of the blue. 

We are all put on this planet for a reason. That reason does not always have to be comfortable and pretty to be part of life's plan. As a former foster parent, I saw some pretty uncomfortable things. You never get used to seeing cigarette burns on babies. But if I hadn't pushed through, I wouldn't have gotten to the other side: our precious third child, adopted out of the system. 

Be that gift someone needs, but take care of yourself at the same time. It will be better for everyone involved.


next: Alone for the Holidays
7 comments so far | Post a comment now
Anon November 17, 2010, 7:26 AM

Today I am thankful for people like you.

margaret mcsweeney November 17, 2010, 9:01 AM

Thanks for sharing such great advice, Michelle! And you’re right! We should be the gift that someone needs at a difficult moment, but at the same time we should protect our own hearts and sanity. Thanks for this reminder! Margaret

KS November 17, 2010, 12:56 PM

At first I had to check your name because I swear I attract people who have the craziest things happen to them. Then I realize that I have a rather ummm eventful life too. I just chose to deal with it rather than complain about it. I have a hard time comforting people who can help their situation with making better choices.

I also have a hard time accepting people at face value now because of the drama sneak attackers I’ve come across. They lure you in with warm smiles and niceties then all of a sudden they tell you how they spanked your child while you were at the doctors office.

I’ve come to realize that everyone has a responsibility in what happens in thier life. Whether it be the people they associate with or having to actually deal with the consequences of their poor choices.

Not everyone has a good start at life. I know this more than most but what you do with yourself is your choice and being a drama lama is not attractive.

Me November 17, 2010, 2:58 PM

Just because someone has something going on in their life that isn’t positive doesn’t make them a drama queen. Had you given an example of someone always unloading on you with something new and small…I’d agree, but your examples hardly scream drama. It is life, and if you are going to ask someone how they are, you better be ready for the truth. If you don’t want it, dont ask. This irritates me. I’m not sure I’ve ever run into someone who has asked me how I was and actually cared, they were just being “polite”. It also sounds like, and I could very well be interperating this incorrectly (thus the SOUNDS like), you want people to bail on someone when the going gets tough. Which is the worst time to bail on anyone, I know, my friends have all done it to me (and I’m not a drama queen). How about promoting sincerity instead of a way to back track when your political correctness bites you in the backside?

Min Rauhe March 27, 2011, 11:38 AM

Fabulous page,It looks like you could have clearly set up a web page I wish to read regularly. Thank you.

Sherril Jobs April 5, 2011, 4:07 PM

Lovely ideas, thanks to whoever thought of it and for showing the initiative to put it up

peugeots April 9, 2011, 2:15 AM

Lovely piece, thanks for showing the initiative to put your ideas down


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