We don't even know these people (trying to involve us in their troubles).

[Buttercup]

Long story short, the doorbell just now rang. It's Christy. She recently got dumped by Josiah, who we *only barely* know for 4 months; he and husband *only* exchange work favors. That's it.

He and Christy (total stranger) began dating. Never met her until they were on verge of breakup (she came down to cry on husband's shoulder, try and get him to talk sense to Josiah. Um...how's that OUR business?).

Husband made it clear (supposedly) to both parties that we don't want to be involved.

Thought this was resolved.

Christy was here, fretting about how Josiah's truck is parked (at his place). New girlfriend has "weird signs" posted up at the apartment. She wants to talk with my husband again.

This is NOT our concern. Christy is an absolute stranger. We don't know Josiah well and he's not a friend.

She is better off without him, and I'm beginning to suspect the reverse is true as well.

[DoggerDan]

Sometimes all people need are a listening ear, and simply aren't good at all about establishing a support network. Those times, bending an ear can be an act of kindness that helps people along the way. Sometimes if you give an inch people will take a mile and drown you you in your woes. Telling the difference between these two can be nearly impossible at the outset, although generally speaking, those who have a support network will keep their woe-telling within the bounds of their support network, so yes, sometimes opening up too much to veritable strangers is a red flag.

So, she may think you know Josiah much better than you do, and may be seeking advice on how best to respond what she perceives as a discontinuity in her world. That's ok, and simply telling her, "We really don't know Josiah very well" should be enough to extinguish the behavior. Either that or she's trying to elicit an ally with influence over Josiah, and while that's bad, telling her that you don't know Josiah should also work.

If that doesn't work, sounds like there are other issues and keeping your distance might be the best approach.

[Buttercup]

I did (politely) tell her yesterday that Josiah is merely an acquaintance whom we do not know all that well; that he and husband only occasionally exchange work favors. That's it.

She seemed to understand (I sure hope).

This woman is an absolute stranger. Josiah is still mostly a stranger.

How she feels compelled to actually come over and think we'll want to get involved is beyond me. He ditched her for a woman with more $$$. Why she wants him back boggles my mind, but it's nothing to do with us.

Some people get hurt/killed in the high emotions of breakups and etc. We don't want to even remotely be near "crosshairs."

She mentioned "There are weird signs up at their place." I felt like asking, "Telling you to stay away?" But I'm not involving myself to that point either.

Apparently she's thinking husband and Josiah are better buddies than we're leading on (not so), or maybe we've begun hanging around "as couples" with Josiah and his new girlfriend (not so).

These are not long-time friends, not in-laws, not relatives. Geez!