Because I Said So, That's Why

Lately I've been noticing that my 'people' (friends, etc etc) are telling me what to do. Not just little things either. I'll mention I'm thinking about doing something (that in no way involves this person I'm conversing with) and someone will pipe up with a flat out "No". When I inquire the reason for their answer they simply say "Because" and expect me to accept that. Which would be okay...if I were five. Friends want to to purchase things I don't need so they can use or borrow them. Other friends try to turn me against the previous friends by pointing out minute flaws in their person and stating "You don't want a friend like that". Obviously I like the person or I wouldn't choose to be around them. Some of the friends that are being picked on, are now my family (married to my relatives) so I couldn't drop them, even if I wanted to. My family just flat out tells me what to do (which frankly, is getting rather annoying, since it's not just their opinion and not even my mother who's doing it). But when I try to talk to my mom, she simply says, "Oh, they're just trying to give you their opinions. It's nothing." It would be nothing, if I were asking for these opinions rather than having them thrown at me by the basketful.
I'm usually very fair in my opnions, and very considerate of other person's feelings. I won't say anything until I can figure out how to say it in a way that won't hurt their feelings, or be misconstrued as something else.

This isn't the first time this has happened either.

I'm not even safe at work anymore.

I guess it's time for me to clam up again. No more discussions of my 'stuff'. Other people's 'stuff' only.

My kingdom for a hammock, a good book, a shade tree and a hour of peace.