My uncle and my father put themselves in the same predicament: manipulative, cheating, gold digging wives.

They both have 3 kids with them. Both divorced after dealing with their bs for so long.

All my life, whenever my uncle and dad's side of the family get together to see the kids perform in band, theater, etc. the aunt or mom's side of the family decide to show up that same day.

This isn't coincidence. We know their schedule is more flexible. My dad's side of the family has a tighter schedule. You'd have to know my aunt and mom's side of the family and their personality to know they do this on purpose because they like drama and they like being bitches. They ask the youngest daughter in the family because they know they'll tell the truth innocently.

My dad's side of the family is more like "leave it alone" and keep space. My aunt's and mom's are more like "keep touching it until it breaks". Their fake smiles reek of bitterness. Although my dad's mother and father (my grand parents) were more than kind and helpful to my mom and aunt, both women pry them and hurt them emotionally. Then they do stuff like this. They have also tried brainwashing the kids (including me as a kid) that my grandparents and my dad's side of the family were manipulative and bad.

As we got older we figured out who the real bully was. Including my cousins. They know my grandparents are gentle spirits. Aunt and mom purposefully seek them out. Like seeking out wounded animals just to torture them some more.

So how could my uncle, dad, and family handle this? I know about holding frame. Not acknowledging them. Keep my temper under control. But boy do I want to swing at my aunt if she tracks me down like she has before. I used to be such a sweet kid. Didn't know any better.

It's really fucked up.