Bossy "Friends"

[Anonymous]

DC has a rather bossy friend. It is not the first one, nor will it be the last one. I feel bad because the bossy friend tries to tell DC and other friends whom to hang out with and when. "Ooooh you had a playdate with (perceived outsider of the week here)".... Mind you, it is just fine for bossy friend to do something with (perceived outsider of the week here), as long as the "friend" can try to control everyone else.

Frankly, I notice that when DC has these friends, it is not long before I (and others) happen to notice, through quiet observation, that the child is acting out from being overbooked. In other words, told what to do, when to do it, and with whom (including playdates). I find it sad. When did society stop having normal playdates (in lieu of begin overbooked)? I am not naive, just looking for opinions. Isn't it obvious that not having time to be a child can be disastrous?