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. Seeing others from the outside as they enjoy the warmth of the moment, can lead to thoughts of abandonment and despair for some. That’s why 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 accepted my invitation. We have 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 honor.

— Full Of Gratitude

Dear Full Of Gratitude:

Please accept my sympathy for the loss of your brother. I’m pleased to help spread the word. Inclusion can be a lifesaver. Bless you for what you are doing. I hope others will follow your example.

Dear Abby:

I have a dilemma. I have been working as an intern at a company for about 18 months. During the summer, I completed a test I needed to become fully licensed in my field.

However, I’m still working in my current position at intern wages, although I have repeatedly requested a meeting with my employer to talk money. He continues to say he doesn’t have time, and we will discuss it later. He even agreed to a time on a certain day but failed to show up for the meeting. When I emailed him the amount I want, he replied, “We’ll talk about it later.” Should I continue to press the issue or just look for other work?

— Concerned About Money

Dear Concerned:

You have done enough. Pushing your employer further won’t help. The ball is now in his court. Start quietly looking for another job — one in which your skills will be appropriately compensated.

Dear Abby:

How can I tactfully tell an elementary school teacher 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 behavior after adults around them. That a teacher would consistently do what she’s doing in a classroom setting is shocking. I don’t think that you should take it upon yourself to correct the woman. Discuss the issue with the school principal.