Extra place set at the table helps combat holiday blues

DEAR ABBY: I read that there is a suicide somewhere in the world every 40 seconds. Numbers rise at holiday time. Feeling like a child whose nose is pressed against a window, seeing others from the outside as they enjoy the warmth of the moment, can lead to thoughts of abandonment and despair. That’s why I have a mission — I set an extra place at my table.

I can attest that it works. One year I announced in church that my home would be open to anyone who didn’t have a family. A woman came forward and accepted my invitation. We spent the day getting to know each other and bonded in friendship.

Please encourage your readers to set an extra place at their holiday table. My brother committed suicide. I move forward in his honour. — FULL OF GRATITUDE IN PHOENIX

DEAR FULL OF GRATITUDE:

Please accept my sympathy for the tragic loss of your brother. I’m pleased to help spread the word. Isolation can be a killer, and inclusion can be a lifesaver. Bless you for what you are doing. I hope other readers will consider it and follow your example.

DEAR ABBY: How can I tactfully tell an elementary school teacher in whose class I assist that she uses poor grammar and words that aren’t words (i.e., “I boughten this yesterday,” or “Her and me went to the soccer game.”)? I am fond of this teacher but feel she’s doing a disservice to her pupils. Other than that she’s a devoted, energetic teacher. It is really difficult to bite my tongue. — TACTFUL IN THE EAST

DEAR TACTFUL: Children model their behaviour after the example the adults around them provide. That a teacher would consistently do what she’s doing in a classroom setting is shocking. How could she have become a licensed educator with such poor English skills?

Politically speaking, I don’t think that as her subordinate you should take it upon yourself to correct the woman.

I do think this is something you should discuss with the school principal.