DEAR ABBY: I recently rented a room in a private home, where I have full privileges. I like the people who own the home, but one thing bothers me. Whenever I come home from work or enter a room where they are sitting, they never say hello. They rarely speak to me at all. It's almost as though I don't exist.
These are nice people who go to church on Sunday, but they never acknowledge my presence. I'm not asking to be treated like a member of the family, just acknowledged. Are they being rude, or am I too sensitive? -- IGNORED IN NORTHERN CALIFORNIA
DEAR IGNORED: Not all families are as verbal as you may be. Since it bothers you, speak up. Say hello when you enter and make a casual comment that does not require a lengthy response; then go about your business. The living arrangement you have made requires some give-and-take on the part of all concerned.