Dear Abby: Woman who felt invisible in high school feels the same way at 50th class reunion

DEAR ABBY: This year was our high school class’s 50th reunion. My husband and I graduated together from the same school. We have attended every reunion, and at each one of them received the same reactions from classmates. They always talk to my husband, shake his hand or hug him, but look at my name tag and photo and ignore me like they did in high school.

I’ll be the first to admit I’m nothing to look at. The only people who spoke to me were the teachers and my husband. I tried hard to be social, but my classmates just glared at me and walked away. One even said to a group of students, “The dog tried to talk to me.”

My husband and I recently celebrated our 49th wedding anniversary, so I asked him why he dated and married me when I was invisible to his co-workers and classmates. He replied: “It’s all in your head!” He has seen the reactions from co-workers and classmates, yet it has never bothered him that I’ve never been acknowledged.

It hurts so bad I finally told him I wouldn’t attend any more reunions because I thought after 50 years, our classmates should have grown up. He told me I was being paranoid. It has never been in my head, Abby, especially when I extend a hand and tell the classmate it’s good to see them, only for them to then walk away. What is your opinion on this? -- REALLY INVISIBLE IN MINNESOTA

DEAR REALLY INVISIBLE: I cannot believe that you have tolerated this for 50 years. My opinion is that your former classmates lack class and compassion, and your husband is no better than they are to have ignored their rudeness. For heaven’s sake, suit yourself when that reunion rolls around again. Skip it and do something that YOU would enjoy!

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Dear Abby is written by Abigail Van Buren, also known as Jeanne Phillips, and was founded by her mother, Pauline Phillips. Contact Dear Abby at www.DearAbby.com or P.O. Box 69440, Los Angeles, CA 90069.