ArcaMax

Choose your audience. Your mother sounds extremely unsympathetic (or you interpret her comments that way). Other single parents will understand, but the way your life is set up, it is challenging for you to meet other adults in the hopes of finding friendship.

You don't say why you are homeschooling your children, but you should consider a different form of schooling for them. If they were enrolled in the local school, you could perhaps pursue your own schooling, or work outside the home. Both would enrich your own life and enlarge your circle. When you feel better, you'll be able to make rational choices regarding your big-picture issues, and not feel like a failure.

Dear Amy: I just received a survey asking if I wanted to attend my 40th high school reunion next year.

In the past, I have participated and even organized one of the reunion events, but I find I have no interest in going to this one. Why? I now live in California, but I come from a "red" state.

The reunion will be during an election year and I cannot stomach any talk or glorifying of the current administration.

I have stopped following many of my classmates on FB due to the political nature of their posts. I was always more liberal than most of my classmates, but some of their posts are extreme. One recently posted on the death of a well-known television reporter: "Yeah, another liberal is dead!"

Another classmate called to catch up a few months ago. When he started to talk politics, I asked him to change the subject. He did briefly and then switched back to politics, so I made a quick excuse and hung up on him.

I have not heard from him since.

I guess I am not asking for advice, but just venting about how politics has divided us. Is this a phenomenon seen throughout the country?

-- No Reunion For Me

Dear No Reunion: Yes, I do believe this is happening around the country, and as long as people refuse to mingle with or talk to those who disagree with them, it will continue.

Dear Amy: In response to "Put Upon," you asked if we are currently experiencing an epidemic of ingratitude. Yes, we are. I've started calling people out on it.

-- Fed Up

Dear Fed Up: Maybe if those of us who are fed up also doubled down on our own expressions of gratitude, it would inspire others. Just a thought.

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(You can email Amy Dickinson at askamy@amydickinson.com or send a letter to Ask Amy, P.O. Box 194, Freeville, NY 13068. You can also follow her on Twitter @askingamy or Facebook.)