Some people are just better kept at a distance. You treat them kindly, but all you get is criticism—about your life, your choices, even your cake.A mom and I signed our kids up for daycare. Mine was younger but more independent. She said, “Of course we’re in different groups—look how far ahead we are. Don’t worry, you’ll catch up.” That was my cue to walk away.

I met an old teacher on the bus. She looked at my ring and said, “No way! My daughter’s still single!”A friend from the maternity ward commented on my baby’s milestones—“We’ve been crawling for weeks!”—until I called her out. She unfriended me.My neighbor loves telling the same stories—over and over—for years. He’s always the hero, the victim, the funny guy. I stopped listening.

We live in the country, and our neighbors blast music. When asked to lower it, they say, “We’ve lived here 40 years—who are you?” We called the police once. They were fined and outraged.For my wedding, guests could wear anything black. An ex-friend sent me a picture of a dusty, ragged dress asking if she’d “outshine” me. She didn’t show up. No one cared.

I’m scared to drive. My parents gave me a car—I gave it to my brother. They cut me off and kicked me out.We considered hiring a nanny with our neighbor but chose summer camp instead. She ignored us for weeks, then sent a cryptic message and never apologized.I’m a successful artist, but my family keeps asking when I’ll get a “real job.” I once mocked the whole routine—they were offended.I flew to a destination wedding with my daughter, lost income, spent a lot. The bride later complained the gifts weren’t enough for a luxury honeymoon.I met a man who only wanted to come over for “home-cooked meals.” I said, “Then stay home. I’m not a free chef.”