DEAR ABBY: I’m a single male who’s happy with his life, with plenty of friends and family. My issue is what I endure during the holidays. Every year, I’m invited over to Thanksgiving and Christmas, and I look forward to seeing family that I only see once or twice a year.
These get-togethers usually consist of 15 to 25 people. Yet, other than having the chance to say hello and goodbye, everyone breaks into cliques while I sit there the whole time with no one ever showing any interest in engaging in conversation with me. I’ve reached the point where this isolation has me feeling depressed and lonely even though I’m surrounded by people.
I’ve come to realize I’d be happier spending the holidays by myself. Would it be wrong to start declining these invitations and politely explain why? I mentioned this to family members in the past, and they’ve acknowledged the issue, but it continues to happen every time. — INVISIBLE IN THE CROWD
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