This is so frustrating, and those boundaries are absolutely necessary when it comes to toxic or semi-toxic family situations. Nothing like having someone tell you they "didn't say that" when 20 people near you can prove they did. That's my mothers, too - she openly smacked my brother in the face at a party, but when I confronted her, she claimed it never happened. Every guest could say it occurred, too, but only a few spoke up. Funny how some people really let their denial carry them - and influence others.

So I can related to a lot of this. I LOVE my family. But I don't necessarily LIKE them.

This is very well-said, and I love the italicized parenthetical thoughts!