DEAR ABBY: Recently a friend from my church passed away. She was 83 years old. I stopped by the funeral home to pay my respects to her and her family.
During my visit, I was completely ignored by family members who were standing around in nearby rooms enjoying animated conversations.
I feel that at least one family member should have acknowledged my presence and that of several others. Should I have interrupted their conversations to pay my respects? -- MOURNING IN PITTSBURGH
DEAR MOURNING: I agree that someone should have taken the time to acknowledge the presence of a new arrival, whether a staff member at the mortuary or a designated family member.
However, since no one did, you could have stepped forward, introduced yourself and expressed your sympathy.