Dear Queenie,
I retired recently and I keep busy with the things I used to do in my spare time – volunteering with a community service group, reading, watching TV, taking care of my garden, cooking my meals, cleaning my house, visiting with friends, you get the idea.
However, I have friends who also retired not too long ago and it seems like they have nothing else to do than come and visit me. They come to my house whenever they get bored, which seems to be all the time, and interrupt whatever I am doing.
Queenie, what can I do without being rude?—Busy retiree
Dear Busy,
When these people drop by unexpectedly, go on with whatever you were doing while you visit with them. If they object, tell them you are sorry, but they should have called you before they just came over so you could tell them when you would be free to give them your full attention.
You can also give them some suggestions of productive ways to fill the free time they have so much of – for instance, a list of community service groups that would appreciate having some more volunteers, and/or a senior centre that would offer them some interesting activities.
