You reminded me of a sad fact in my life. I was in a relationship for 10 years. Every year I was invited to my partner's family events: Thanksgiving, Christmas, birthdays, etc. I never once went. In hindsight, I guess I regret it. But never having had a family myself really (just me and mom), I have always felt wierd about these things. I (unrealistically) feel like one might feel eating alone in a resteraunt or going to a movie alone, ie, everyone is probably whispering, "why would she be out alone, she must not have any friends". At other's family gatherings, I imagined that they "KNEW" I was uncomfortable, awkward, gangly, wallflower, a girl with no friends or family (even though I have plenty of friends)- i image others looking at me like someone who might not- it's a very strange and unrealistic perspective but it operated my direction all my life.