To just keep people at arms length, especially family ?

[keepthem]

It’s just better because then people don’t have anything to go on?

I don't know what you mean by they won't have anything to go on?

I'd assume it's because you just want to get through life without being hurt, let down, manipulated and judged? Is it better? I'd say easier a lot of the time but not generally better.
Being brave and facing the world as who you are can result in pain, but at least you're free to be yourself and hopefully find others who actually like you and who you like, who don't have to be kept at arms length.

Depends I keep family at arms length if they are manipulative and mean I have one family member who can make drama out of everything for example "I went to her house the other day she was baking a cake! A CAKE!" and my family tut roll there eyes clutch there damm pearls like I'm randomly sacrificing small animals because I'm a carer for a disabled family member I should be in sack cloth and ashes not baking cakes and eating meals

So yeah arms length

Yes it's easier but can also be very lonely too.

Google 'grey rock' - I do this with my 'd'm now....I don't think she's even noticed but it makes my life slightly easier