Dear Heartbroken: It might seem bold, but you may have to invite yourself to a holiday dinner. Sometimes, even those who love us and want to be around us don’t think of us as much as we’d like. This is normal; everyone is the star of their own show. So, it’s helpful to reach out and let people know when we have a need or a want.

Older couple only gets invited to events when a gift is expected, but never receives an invitation for holiday gatherings.

We feel very sad about this since we spend many holidays alone. May I add that my spouse and I are pleasant people and so are they, but they never reach out to us except when they send an invitation for a function.