Student longs for hometown left behind in move overseas

Dear Abby: I recently moved from the U.S. to Germany. It has been a big change, and I honestly don’t know how to handle it. A lot of the kids at school make fun of me and call me names.

My family plans to stay here another two years. My parents say that when/if we move back to the United States, we won’t return to our hometown. I find this very hard to accept. It was the only home I’ve ever known. I tried asking them if I could live with a friend there, but they always brush me off.

I don’t want my family to worry, but keeping my feelings bottled up inside seems wrong. Should I tell them how I feel or keep crying into my pillow every night?

— Lost And Depressed

Dear Lost: Crying in your pillow every night isn’t productive. You should absolutely tell your parents everything you are experiencing — that you are being bullied at school and made to feel you don’t fit in, and that you miss your old hometown terribly. They might want to consult with the school administrator about it.

Geographical distance does not mean you must lose relationships forever. Moving back may not be practical, but you can keep in touch with your friends online and maybe visit them eventually.

Dear Abby: Beautiful flowers were delivered to me at my home. While on the phone, I told my friend about the thoughtful gift and mentioned that my two cats wouldn’t leave it alone. She said, “I hope there aren’t any lilies in it!” There were white lilies. I Googled it and discovered they are very poisonous to cats. When I called the florist, they claimed not to know. Thought your readers should! — Loves My Felines

Dear Loves: I agree. And thank you for sharing that information. I learned from my own Google search that lilies are not the only flowers that are poisonous for pets. Azaleas, daffodils, amaryllis, chrysanthemums, tulips, oleander, hyacinth, English ivy, sago palm, cyclamen, autumn crocus, widow’s thrill, hydrangea, aloe vera, caladium, pothos, philodendron, lily of the valley, castor bean, poinsettia, asparagus fern, peace lily and corn plants can be lethal as well. Kitty lovers, be warned!

Dear Abby: Is it possible for a single woman (me) to continue a neighborhood friendship with a widower who is now dating a woman? He shared homemade soup with me weekly. Occasionally we have tea on our decks. I feel awkward; he does not. — Stumped

Dear Stumped: It would be a shame to lose a good friend. Talk to him about the awkwardness you are feeling. Perhaps it can be resolved. If not, step back.