First ~ looking at your Mum's point of view:
If I decided to go to Africa, especially on my own, my mother would be beside herself.
She would be on the phone constantly ~ wanting to talk to me as much as possible before I went, and hoping against hope that she could talk me out of going.
And if it were my daughter going, then I think that I might be the same.
Many parts of Africa can be dangerous ~ and mothers worry.
And I understand about being the one people contact when there is something serious to consider ~ that happens to me a lot. My son says that it is a complimemt ~ it means that people think that you are intelligent, sensible, sensitive and fair, but, ogf course, when you have your own issues to deal wit, it can be problematic. I think that assertiveness then has to come into play.
I might say ~ You know that I have a new job, which keeps me very busy, and you know that my husband and I are trying to sort out our marriage, so it would be much appreciated if you could give us some space and try not to phone us for a while, except in emergencies. That could be really helpful. Thanks..
