Dear Anita,

Yes, you are right, my sister and I are closer – and we have both developed good boundaries (and ongoing continued work) and enjoy each other’s company in a win-win scenario.  I am glad for this.

Yes, my husband was in great spirits on Friday, and the concert definitely added to it.

I am glad for your routine test being over! (and normal of course!) Congratulations on another step, and hopefully less doctors visits now!

Yes, I am familiar with Filipino cuisine – very meat heavy!! Do you feel you were overwhelmed by the excitement because you didn’t have a true connection with any of the people in particular? Or perhaps just too many people – kind of like at weddings.  I assume your husband was there to keep you company?

Just like you said above, choosing the interaction, and with the people YOU want can be empowering and a lot less draining.  But of course large social events can be good ONCE in a while.  (and less and less desirable with each coming year/maturity)

These days time is limited so the type of person I exert energy with is key.