DEAR ABBY: I am a divorced woman who recently moved to an upscale South Florida neighborhood. I noticed that the two women who live across the street frequently throw parties –- baby showers, graduation parties, etc. They invite everyone in the neighborhood except my nice, married next-door neighbor. She has not been invited to a single party since I've been here.
She knows there are parties, because the hostesses tie balloons to their mailboxes with messages such as "Happy Graduation," "It's a party!" or whatever. It's not as if she doesn't know the neighbors. She's lived here for five years. The neighbors always speak to her on the street, she says.
I suspect the reason she is being excluded is because she is extremely attractive. You can tell she works out a lot. The neighbors who snub her both have weight problems and short, unattractive haircuts. My friend next door has lovely, long, thick hair.
Do you think these women are trying to keep her away from their husbands? Are they insecure, envious or rude -– or perhaps all three? -- PUZZLED IN PARADISE
DEAR PUZZLED: You have hit the nail on the head when you questioned whether the hostesses could be insecure. However, neither your friend nor the hostesses have asked for my advice. Since I know none of the parties involved in the scenario, the better part of wisdom is to add no more grist to the rumor mill.
Although you are concerned for the feelings of your attractive neighbor, let your neighbors resolve their problems without involving yourself.