My older sister frequently calls me duri
Ask
My older sister frequently calls me during the middle of my workday (between 10 AM and 3 PM) to vent for 45 minutes about dating drama. If I don't pick up or have to hang up for a meeting, she sends passive-aggressive texts accusing me of "never having time for family".
I love her and want to support her, but I cannot take personal calls while on client work.
Please give me an exact script to text her directly to set a clear boundary: love hearing about her life, but my phone must stay on silent for work 9 AM to 6 PM on weekdays, and suggest setting a dedicated Sunday afternoon call where I can give her my undivided attention.
Answer
I'll check the conflict-map and lines cards to give you the right shape.
Hey — I love hearing about your life and I want you to know that. My phone has to stay on silent 9 AM to 6 PM on weekdays for client work, so I can't pick up in that window. Can we set a standing Sunday call at 2 PM? That hour is yours and I'll give you my full attention.
If she fires back "you never have time for family":
Sundays 2 PM is yours — full hour, just you. The 9-to-6 silent window is the work side. Both stay.
What stays put: the weekday silent window is not negotiable; the Sunday 2 PM is the replacement, not a concession — both go in the same script. If she tests it the first time you don't pick up, hold the line that day. The text itself doesn't need a reply; if she doesn't respond, don't chase.