Help me stand to be around my parent for the duration of this visit

Post date: 2021-12-04 15:37:55

My father is not a bad person per se, but he's really quite annoying. I hadn't seen him for over 2 years as we live in different countries. I'm currently visiting him and have another 10 days left. Help me not murder him during this time, please.

He's annoying because he:
1. Constantly boasts about himself and gives himself compliments. For example he's really into photographing local birds and he is constantly going on about how great his photography is, how he is helping so many people get through the pandemic because of sharing his photos on Facebook, how he is winning all these prizes in local art shows, etc. His photos look pretty good but I'm pretty sure that's mostly because he spent $5,000 on a camera and lens. He also exaggerates about his past accomplishments, things he has allegedly done for others, etc This is annoying but bearable. I usually chamge the subject.

2. Also constantly puts down other people, gossips about them, etc. It's like he thinks if he insults someone else he will look better in comparison. This is annoying - I usually say how great I think the other person is and why.

3. Watches my every move and if I say one wrong thing (like thinking a movie stars a certain actor when it doesn't) he will pounce on it, correcting it over and over. Every time I take a bite of food more than what he feels is necessary he makes a comment about my "very healthy appetite" ( I am slightly overweight, he is skinny). If I am doing any little thing he hovers over me and tries to tell me I'm doing it wrong and suggesting ways to do it better (make the bed, scoop ice cream, load the dishwasher, anything). This is the most unbearable aspect of his personality and the hardest for me to deal with.

Please help me survive this! I push back sometimes but the tension just escalates. We do have other conversations that are interesting and fun, he suffered from depression during covid restrictions and says he really missed me and is happy I'm here. But he is a) extremely insecure I think and b) very used to being alone and doing things his own way. I am staying in his apartment. Thank you.

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