Annie's Mailbox® by Kathy Mitchell and Marcy Sugar

Dear Annie: I began college in August, but my parents pulled me out after five weeks, saying they were convinced I would flunk out. Then they refused to talk to me — as if I actually had failed.

Life with my family has become unbearable. I want to move out, but I need a job and can't find one. What can I do? — M.

Dear M.: Did your parents pull you out of school because you were doing too much partying and not enough studying? Are they having financial difficulties and could no longer afford your tuition? Do you still want to attend college?

Many college freshmen become distracted and do poorly. Unfortunately, your parents didn't give you much time to let things work themselves out. If you want to return to school, we suggest you check out your local community college and ask your parents to help you enroll in a few classes. If they see you are making a genuine effort to do well, they may agree to continue paying for your education. Otherwise, find whatever small job you can, and start saving your money. You also can discuss with your parents the option of taking classes at a vocational school where you will be trained to have a useful career. Sitting home and complaining will get you nowhere, so start looking at the options for your future.

Dear Annie: I am in my early 30s and a stay-at-home mom of two small children. My husband works hard and tells me often that he loves me, but he never shows it. It's been more than 10 years since he bought me any kind of card or gift. I do all the housework and cook all meals, including cleaning up afterward. He says "thank you" every night, but even that gets stale after a while. I feel depressed and unappreciated.

I have purchased self-help books for him to read and have outright requested him to do things, to no avail. I have even told him I'm depressed.

How do I deal with the loneliness? We live in a rural area, and I don't know where to get free help. Please help. — Married and Alone

Dear Married: Your husband tells you often that he loves you and thanks you for what you do around the house, which is more than many women get. See if you can explain to him in your sweetest voice how much it would mean to you if he occasionally brought home a rose or a card. But if he won't cooperate, we suggest you buy yourself cards and gifts, sign his name and tell him "thank you."

You also need to find other outlets for your loneliness if your husband isn't capable of giving as much as you need. Make friends with other parents. Sign up for an evening art class, political lecture or church group, and ask Hubby to baby-sit. Form a book club. If that doesn't alleviate the problem, talk to your doctor. Your depression could be hormonal or chronic and require medication.

Dear Annie: Your readers might be able to spearhead a movement in this country that would seriously cut down on spreading the flu and may even save lives.

We need a socially appropriate way to greet each other without touching. I like the Vulcan hand sign, although it requires practice. Here's another idea: Point the right elbow toward the person, with your right hand touching your left arm or shoulder, and nod. The facial expression can indicate how formal it is. — Windsor, Maine

Dear Windsor: The elbow idea seems rather military, and most ordinary folks can't manage the Vulcan hand sign, but you make a good point that a non-physical greeting can prevent the spread of germs. Live long and prosper.

Annie's Mailbox is written by Kathy Mitchell and Marcy Sugar, longtime editors of the Ann Landers column. Please e-mail your questions to anniesmailbox@comcast.net, or write to: Annie's Mailbox, P.O. Box 118190, Chicago, IL 60611. To find out more about Annie's Mailbox, and read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate Web page at www.creators.com.

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