Dear Annie: Earlier this year, my family moved into a new neighborhood after decades in our old community. I arrived with so much optimism. The street was charming, the neighbors seemed warm, and there was this lovely sense that we had stepped into a place where people truly knew one another.

But as the months passed, the dynamic shifted. We’ve hosted small gatherings and always show up when someone needs a hand, yet invitations rarely come our way. My next-door neighbors chat happily with others on the block, but with us, it stops at polite hellos. The group text for the neighborhood was even more discouraging. I kept seeing photos of events and parties I hadn’t known about until after they happened. It’s as if everyone received an unspoken welcome packet except us.

I’ve tried to stay

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