I’m an American living in France, everyone is rude to me but I can’t leave

DEAR ABBY: I went to school in France. It was my lifelong dream to maneuver right here and begin my very own life on this lovely nation. I succeeded. I married and had a toddler, however the marriage didn’t work out. My son, who’s now 8, has spent his complete life right here. He suits in. He’s fashionable. Nonetheless, as a single working mom in a overseas land, I don’t.

I’ve mastered the French language. I can have an mental dialog in French, and I even make jokes in French. I perceive it’s a special tradition. I’ve had many alternative roles as a bilingual assistant in varied sectors, similar to actual property, digital transformation, structure and inside design.

I depend myself blessed to at all times have the ability to discover work, however the girls right here simply don’t like me. I’m blond and put on make-up, and my presence appears to threaten and anger them regardless of the place I’m going. There are at all times one or two good colleagues, however there may be additionally a mass vibe of hostility. I can’t go away as a result of I can’t take my son away from his father. Recommendation? — LEFT OUT IN PARIS

DEAR LEFT OUT: Please enable me to supply my sympathy. What you’re experiencing is hurtful. But it surely occurs in all places, not simply in Paris.

You wrote that wherever you’re working, there are at all times one or two good colleagues. Think about them and the work you’re assigned to do and, though it will not be straightforward, ignore the rudeness of the others. You aren’t there to socialize. Since you really feel iced out socially, attempt to join with different expatriates who’re in all probability feeling the way in which you do. It’s extra productive than licking your wounds alone.

In some unspecified time in the future, your son will probably be sufficiently old to be on his personal, and also you could possibly relocate to part of France (or Europe) the place the individuals are heat and welcoming. Preserve your contacts shut again house, since you could possibly relocate to the States if you want. Within the meantime, keep occupied. If you happen to do, it offers you much less time to be depressed.

DEAR ABBY: When attending a marriage, do you assume it’s impolite for the company to put up photographs of the bride and groom on social media saying the brand new couple earlier than the couple have an opportunity to put up? It could be like another person saying the start of your child. I believe the couple ought to be the primary to put up any photographs of themselves and announce their marriage. What do you assume? — PROPER IN CALIFORNIA

DEAR PROPER: I believe you’re appropriate. Nonetheless, so many individuals put up in regards to the actions by which they take part, it isn’t shocking that company would enthusiastically share their pleasure by placing these photos on-line. If the bride and groom need to maintain it from taking place, they need to specify that they need no photographs taken throughout the wedding ceremony or the reception (after which cross their fingers). Friends who plan to take photos ought to make sure to ask the couple earlier than posting them.

Pricey Abby is written by Abigail Van Buren, also referred to as Jeanne Phillips, and was based by her mom, Pauline Phillips. Contact Pricey Abby at DearAbby.com or P.O. Field 69440, Los Angeles, CA 90069.