Ask Baba Yaga: How Can I Avoid Drama?

Transcript after the jump.

Dear Baba Yaga,

A close family member has constant drama in her life. I, on the other hand, abhor drama, and live a simple and stress-free life. She calls me every time there is a crisis, and pours it all into my ear, hardly pausing for breath and showing no interest in my life. Afterwards, I feel drenched in negative energy and have trouble shaking this dark mood. I feel a duty to be supportive, but these phone calls are very upsetting. Am I being selfish in resenting this?

BABA YAGA:

Into yr ear is being poured a black syrup from someone else’s teapot. ; It is not yr teapot, but it is yr ear — -you must no longer offer it to the spout. & for the other, it is a burden to carry such a pot, but why then did she mix such ) dark sugars, such silt & rotted twigs into her potion? Offer her yr own brew, if you wish it, but drink no more of hers.

Taisia Kitaiskaia is a poet, writer, and Michener Center for Writers fellow. She’s taking questions on behalf of Baba Yaga at [email protected].