I've tried to reply to you 3 times and keep stopping because the words aren't coming out right. Here's the gist: you with your friends is me with my family (MY family as in "back home", MY family not my OWN family meaning husband and kids). I know how you feel. I've tried to explain and it does little good. I've had to #1) limit time with them (seriously!!) because just being around them, my mother especially, was putting my colon into a full out charlie horse, but #2) learn to see the positive things when I AM with her and somehow let the eating comments roll of my back. It is a conscious effort and very hard! Hugs to you and hope you find that right balance for you! And I'm sure you'll have a lovely spread when you hostess.
-------------------- Take care,
Michelle
...the greatest of these is LOVE. (I Cor 13)