My immediate family are fine; it's more the work stuff that bugs me, all the meals etc (plus a few are in work time, so I can't not go).

But I do need to work on getting better at saying no - especially without the need to fabricate an excuse. The silliest is my friend and I - neither want to go to gatherings, but without the Power of the No end up going to help each other through a horrible afternoon!
I'll get there one day!