You know what you just said sings so much to my soul about so many family - as well as past associates!
Some people just want to cast aspurtions about anything! And how can you ever feel a close bond to ones who have such an attitude to you?
It's painfull and utterly demeaning. After years of it the danger is your complaints almost make you feel your beginning to sound like them - how ironical? But I see the difference is you're defending your own station and good for you!
I tend to trust till I have no mugs left and be glad everyone liked them so much! And then gawp as I hear criticisms about the quality of china I buy! lol - so near the truth believe me - and has me defending why I bought what I did - crazy!!
Sad to hear your story and I can guess it rings true in so many areas of interaction you have with them and whomever they have as friends?
Pity those of us in the world with such tolerant, trusting and loving personas cant be around each other much more.