Islandofapples, I have found it easier to make friends since having kids. But as my eldest daughter grows up I do constantly finding myself completely lacking the skills to help her navigate peer bitchyness. Like you I just avoid people that give me a bad vibe, have never coped with office politics, etc. But when we have a playdate here and I can see that the other kids clearly are being exclusive and mean, then lying to her and to me about their behaviour I haven't got the FAINTEST idea how to deal with that without seeming like I am just taking my own child's side. And simply sending the other kids home doesn't seem like a good idea either. I think I have been more distressed than my DD by some recent playdate carry on.