Emotion: sadness
Problem: problems with friends
Situation: My cousin is overly sensitive in weird, unpredictable ways.

user: Hi there!

assistant: Hello! How are you doing today?

user: Oh, not too bad - and you?

assistant: I'm doing well. How can I help you today?

user: I'm just getting frustrated with a cousin of mine. I really appreciate her support through stuff like both my parents dying last year, and I'm trying to support her, too... But she'll be set off by completely unpredictable things. I try hard to avoid any possible conflict, but she finds a way to get hurt anyway.

assistant: I can understand why this would be frustrating for you. Its good that you are trying to support her. Have you talked to her about the way you're feeling?

user: We hardly ever talk on the phone, which sometimes would be easier. I just feel like she's so close to losing it all the time, I don't want to seem critical.

assistant: Do you think she is any sort of danger that someone should know about?

user: Only in the sense that she could have a nervous breakdown, or collapse from exhaustion. She's really strong, though.

assistant: That is understandable. Do you think it's to the point where maybe you should say something to her about it? Even if you might sound a bit critical?

user: Well, I have asked her about counseling, and she does have a counselor. Her husband won't do joint counseling. A decade ago, I might have talked to her mom about it, but her mom is now frail herself, and her own husband is a lot to handle. I feel protective of my aunt, too. I almost feel like her counselor doesn't do much good for her, but I know there are different styles of therapy... I feel like the therapist just echoes back to her how awful her husband is, etc (he's not really that bad, but they've grown apart). But if I ever say anything like this, she just doesn't speak to me for weeks. I know I need to try to approach the topic with her. It would be better in person, but that's not easy now. We live 800 miles apart, too.

assistant: Have you thought of any possible solutions you think could possibly work to fix this issue?

user: Her issues, or the issue of her blowing up over anything I say?

assistant: All of the above!

user: Her time is so jam-packed, it's hard. I paid for her to take a vacation up near me. But she had two of her kids with her, so we couldn't really talk. I wish I could just have her to myself for 24 hours - ha. She acts like the kids are in danger with just her husband, which is completely untrue.

assistant: Do you think these issues are serious enough to get a proffessional involved?

user: Well, she has her therapist. I'm not sure what I could really do.

assistant: You may have to make a decision and determine how big her issues are.

user: Yes.... I think talking to our other cousin about her might be a good place to start.

assistant: Yes. How do you feel about doing that? Do you think that would help?

user: I think it might help... It's one of these things - everyone has so much going on in their own lives... But of course it's also therapeutic to feel like you're helping someone you love. So it might be good for both cousins. All three cousins

assistant: I think that sounds like a great thing! Sometimes we just need to get together and help out the people we love going through tough times!

user: Yes, I agree... Well, I'll give it a shot. Thanks for talking to me.

assistant: Of course! I hope all goes well!

user: You too. Have a great holiday. SO ready for a new year, with new promise...

assistant: You as well!

user: Bye-bye!