Feel like everyone's demanding a piece of your time and sometimes seconds too? We hate to break it to you, Mr. and Mrs. Popular, but not everyone can get the portion they think they deserve, or the most important person (that would be you) will be left with just crumbs. Here’s how to slice up your social pie so everyone gets the amount you think they deserve.

--Sarah Jio

Your Mom

She called last night (twice actually), and she’s already left a voice mail this morning: “Are you coming to your nephew’s second birthday party this weekend? If you miss it, your sister will be devastated. Plus, I never see you anymore....” You love her, you swear you do, but sometimes you could just... Anyway, the last thing you want to do is waste your weekend watching two-year-olds run around Chuck E. Cheese’s.

Piece of Your Social Pie
Come on, she’s your mom. She may be a little annoying, but she loves you and misses you (yup, we went there with the guilt). Suck it up and go to the kid’s party—there will be pizza! Then check in with a weekly phone call, plus the occasional dinner. That, and visits for major holidays, should keep Mom happy -- and you sane.