“So much of what we call management,” said Peter Drucker, “consists in making it difficult for people to work.” In your case, your boss makes it difficult to accomplish the very work she’s tasked you to do. You might not be able to pull the plug on her behavior entirely, but you can delay, distract, or divert her.

The next time she calls you into her office, delay her by saying you’re in the middle of some vital project. Then, ask her when would be a good time to get together. She may offer a better time, or she may drop it entirely because no other time fits her schedule.

Another approach is to distract your boss by going to her office for an unscheduled visit. If she makes time to socialize then, you’ve chosen the time and place than rather than her ambushing you. Taking the initiative like this might also suppress her urge to visit when she realizes you reciprocate at times she doesn’t control.

Finally, you can divert her by suggesting you talk at lunchtime. Whether in the company break room or at a restaurant, the scheduled meetings provide you with far more control so you won’t have to swallow your pride anymore — just maybe some salad.