SO, I guess I am like a big old dumb golden retriever.  I keep putting myself out there to the people around me that are doing the same activities I am and trying to be friendly.  I don't believe you can ever have too many friends and I don't think anyone should turn their noses up at the chance for friendship.  You see, I have a small group of parents doing boy scouting with my son.  Every time I go and share a little bit about me and my life hoping to get someone to reciprocate and give a little.  A few days ago, I tried again.  I shared my concerns about school.  I just got through listening to one of them talk about her custody issues and thought we were on an even playing field.  THEY LAUGHED AT ME.  Not with me.  AT ME!  Then dismissed me and turned around to start talking among themselves.  Maybe it is my perception and keep in mind I am a golden retriever, but I am starting to get a little irritated and about to become a non-listening, non-sympathizing, non-friend person.  When I told the person who made the dismissing comment to me that I didn't appreciate being laughed at, she just blew off my concerns.  No sorry, that isn't what they meant, Nothing.  What the hell?!?  I do have friends and family that like me.  But some of these people don't even pretend to like me.  I don't have this problem with my girl scout parents.  They act like they like me no matter what.  I have one parent in boy scouts that absolutely loathes me but has to put up with me because we are on the same committee.  Why are people like that?  We all live in the same neighborhood.  Our kids do the same things.  We all come from the same social strata.  Do I not dress well enough?  Is the fact that they work mean that they think they are better than me?  I am approaching 40 years old and am in no way a child.  But, my feelings are getting hurt just like a child's.  And my face gets red when I get embarrassed or hurt like I did a couple of days ago, making me yet more vulnerable.  I hate being a bitch, but I will probably get more respect.  Time to join Stepford.  A town full of strangers that don't interact beyond their own front door.  How sad!