"She's the social animal."

"But that's not interaction. It's performance."

"No, you're right. I realized very quickly after I moved home that every conversation with her, no matter what the subject, is really about how perfect the kids are or how perfect she is."

"Exactly my point. Thank you. And I've finally realized there's nothing I can do to fix it. It's a symptom of insecurity and she has to fix it herself."

"Yep. We just have to let people progress at their own pace. Eventually we all get over our insecurities. But in the meantime, every conversation I have with her I just want to grab her and strangle her."

"I understand that urge completely, but may I suggest, in confidence, a less violent reaction?"

"OK..."

"Next time she starts talking to you like that, just say to yourself, silently of course, in your head, 'Yes, but I've fucked your husband.'"

"But I haven't.....Oh my."