I have an acquaintance with whom I simply cannot effectively communicate and/or get along; this despite determined, sincere, and well-meaning effort on my part to do so. Recently we had another telephone melee, (one of many). After we hung up, in total exasperation I went whining to my wife about it. She had heard this about this fellow many times in the past and apparently was annoyed that yet again I was interrupting her to complain about this same issue . . . https://www.wordsfortheday.com/index.php/2021/07/barnacles-have-buddies/