It’s not pathetic at all. And how dare they - I can tell that you’re the Best One out of the whole group and it‘s ludicrous to leave you out. More fool them - lucky us that it means you’re free to post here instead.
I suspect they’ve made a passing assumption, without giving it much thought, that you might not be free because of childcare, perhaps you’ve turned them down before and they’ve just invited the same group as last time etc....I’m sure they’d feel terrible if they realised how it made you feel. Even though I’m in a couple, I can’t think of anything worse than a BBQ of couples. Much prefer talking to single people, they're invariably more interesting. I do know exactly how you feel, though. I have a group of friends from school who I’ve known since I was 4. Although they always seem really pleased to see me when we do get together, every now and then I’m left out of stuff and it hurts, I have to admit. I logged into Facebook last weekend to see a photo of them in a massive manor house in Cornwall having a great time. I have no idea why they just don’t invite me sometimes and try not to let it drive me
If the cabal was having a BBQ, you’d have the star spot in a hammock with a magnum of Lambrini and the biggest hotdog.