I wrote tangentially about this 18 months ago - and you've stated the reasons so much better. The way I look at now, between work, kids, my wife, caring for an aging parent - I don't have that many minutes in a day for anyone else - and no way in hell I'm going to waste that precious time on anyone you've described here. I can't afford to add to my stress levels, and have given myself permission (which you've wonderfully reinforced) to simply cut those people out.

I sleep much better now...