I was out with a group of friends listening to some music. A couple of them were grilling me and asking why I made decisions that I now regret. For example, I said I wish I had gone to a different school. They asked why I didn't transfer. I said my boss made us do something silly at work. They asked why I didn't convince my boss to do it a different way. When I'm telling these stories, I'm not trying to vent or be negative, I'm trying to share an interesting story or opinion. (as an aside, I know some people who only ever focus on the positive and I find this disingenuous).
They acted like this on another occasion too. I don't appreciate it and I definitely don't think a social environment like a pub is an appropriate place to have these conversations (if anywhere is). I respect them a lot and think they think they are helping me. I am going to talk to them about this, but I'm not sure how? I'm imaging myself as coming off as aggressive and putting them in a defensive potion. How can this be avoided?
Joe and Bob, last time we were out you were asking me a lot of unpleasant questions, such as why I didn't transfer schools and why I didn't convince my boss at work to do something else. I know you meant well but please cut back on grilling me.
I sense they might argue after I say this.
Also, I know no one likes being rolled up in what someone else did, but both of them were doing the same thing. Should I speak with them individually or as a group? I find situations like this tricky because if they did it once I'd ignore it, but the problem is they're doing it too much. How do I point this out?