18th August 2025
Dear Deirdre
They all work together at a place called SMBC. They roll their eyes at me, sneer, called the police to have me arrested twice, they sent me to Coventry and now they call me vexatious.
I don’t feel I have done anything wrong. I like trees to be perpendicular: I am funny that way. I prefer dormice not to be pancaked. I actually like the sound of owls and the sight of bats makes me happy. Vicki, Liz, Lisa, Angela and Mark are unconcerned, dismissive, negligent, trivialising and downright snotty.
I found this letter totally mystifying:-
From Cllr Mark Roberts
Leader of the Council
Thank you for your question, Ms Oliver. Your Liberal Democrat ward councillors respond to all reasonable enquiries and questions put to them, serving many hundreds of local residents each month. I can attest to this as one of them. We do not respond to questions which come alongside vile and unfounded accusations and that are driven from a twisted logic, or which are independently deemed to be vexatious. I have full faith the councillors in Bredbury Green and Romiley are serving residents well, working closely with the hardworking local MP Lisa Smart in very challenging and demanding times.
Cllr Mark Roberts
Leader of the Council“
I asked what on Earth he was referring to, but so far he has not responded.
What advice can you give me Deirdre? My heart hurts at their callousness.
You see, I have been paying their mortgages, their shopping bill at Farm Foods and Fortnums. I fund their holidays in Skegness and at Sandals. How can they treat me this way? Why do they treat me this way? I don’t want to, but somehow I feel forced to carry on paying.
Please help.
Sheila of Romiley
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Dear Sheila of Romiley,
These others – Vicki, Liz, Lisa, Angela and Mark, sound like they are basically very insecure souls, and might actually be suffering from a bit of what is known as ‘imposter syndrome’. If you haven’t heard of this, it is a persistent fear of being exposed as a fraud and an incompetent. Try to bear this is mind when you experience them apparently being unconcerned, dismissive, negligent, et al. However I do think you need to remember here that: “Letting go of toxic people is an act of self-care.” It’s important from here on in that you acknowledge the relationship’s toxicity, seek support from friends/family/professionals, establish clear boundaries, and prioritize self-care. Remember it’s Not You It’s Them; also that carrying around a bucket of excrement and expecting it to turn into a bunch of roses is not realistic. Here is a little quote for you to write on a card and tape to the inside of your kitchen cupboard: “Cry. Forgive. Learn. Move on. Let your tears water the seeds of your future happiness.”
Hope that helps.
Regards,
Deirdre
