Ah, the classic meddling relative with a hidden agenda—one of life’s trickier puzzles. It can be incredibly frustrating when you’re trying to sort things out, make clear-headed decisions, and move forward, only to have someone interfering for their own benefit. These people can be subtle manipulators or outright disruptive, but either way, they can make things unnecessarily complicated.

How to Handle It:

1. Recognize Their True Intentions

• Not all interference comes from a place of concern. Some people meddle to serve their own interests—whether it’s financial gain, control, or just the thrill of stirring the pot.
• Pay attention to inconsistencies in their words and actions. Do they say they care, but their behavior says otherwise? Are they pushing a certain narrative that benefits them?

2. Keep Your Cards Close

• If someone is meddling and you suspect ulterior motives, be selective about what you share. Keep important details vague or, better yet, don’t share at all.
• If they press for information, redirect the conversation or respond with something neutral:
  “I appreciate your concern, but I’ve got it under control.”
  “I’m still thinking things through, I’ll update you when there’s something to share.”

3. Set Boundaries Firmly

• This might mean limiting conversations, refusing to engage in certain discussions, or even distancing yourself when necessary.
• If they overstep, be direct:
  “I need to handle this my way. I’d appreciate it if you respected that.”

4. Don’t Let Them Gaslight You

• Meddlers with an agenda are often skilled at making you question yourself. If you start doubting your own decisions because of their influence, step back and reassess.
• Trust your gut. If something feels off, it probably is.

5. Call Them Out (If Necessary)

• If their interference is causing harm, sometimes the best approach is to confront them—calmly but directly.
• “I’ve noticed you keep pushing [XYZ]. Can you explain why you feel so strongly about this?”
• This can expose their motives and make them back off.

6. Surround Yourself with Supportive People

• If this person is undermining you, seek validation and perspective from people you trust. Sometimes, just hearing a friend or advisor say, “Yeah, they’re acting shady,” can be all the confirmation you need.

7. Stay Focused on Your Own Path

• Meddlers thrive on distraction and drama. The best way to shut them down is to stay focused on what you need to do. Don’t let them drag you into emotional chaos.

Final Thought

When you’re sorting things out—especially big, life-changing matters—clarity and peace are everything. A meddling relative with their own agenda is just noise. The best way to handle them is to stay grounded, set boundaries, and keep your eyes on your own path.

Have you noticed any patterns with this relative? Are they interfering openly, or is it more subtle?