ok guys, after seeing you offer some pretty good advice I am asking from a male presctive. Heres the scoop. Lost my husband a little over a year and a half ago, he made one of his friends (who lives in another state) to keep an eye out on me. (was in another room at the time and heard the conversation) At the time I thought it was sweet and a little comforting to know that I could reach out to this person if needed. This person calls about once a month, which was ok for awhile. Now that time has passed I find it hard to talk to this person , becasue of the ties. Needless to say when I do talk to this friend he always winds up telling me stories about my husband. Which all of them I have heard numerous times before. Now here is the problem. The last time I actully talked this person it was the same thing. yes, I tried changing the subject several times. I am really trying my best to move on with my life and everytime I talk to him it seems to set me back. How can I poliety tell him that I dont mind talking to him from time to time but the stories have to stop. I have tried the avoiding thing( not retuning his call) and the I am on the way out the door for vacation thing, which netiher one has worked, I know another phone call will be soon because of hunting season being around the corner. Any suggestions on how to tell this person without losing him as a friend that I really dont want to talk to him anymore?