FMF,
I'm not on the disassociating wagon as some here are. That is a very personal decision. But as a result of not doing that, i have been able to wake up a couple people (they are still working their way out), and my wife it gone with me. I KNOW if I would have DA'd, they would have entrenched themselves and i would not have been able to speak to them. Of course, on the other hand, it is a slow pain. Some friends have "broken up with me" over the course of a couple years. Family doesn't know what to do or has hope. But we communicate. As long as I don't take that away, there in my mind is hope in the opposite direction.
I do however see the appeal of just shaking the etch a sketch and starting over though. I really do.
That being said, something that helped me be able to speak openly with my wife, was her seeing how the brothers treated me (we had a kangaroo court remove me as a servant, question my character, and try to trump up charges......it fell flat, but accelerated my fade).
Just kindly refuse their offer to come by. You can do so very kindly and matter of fact. it will be hard because of how irritating it is. Someone offered to come by the other day and here is my word for word response.
"If its for a beer and to watch the game, you are more than welcome to come by. If you are asking for aformal sheperding call, I think I will pass. But consider my invitation on the other thing ok?" **pats on shoulder....changes subject.
Works like a charm!