Nov 20, 2014 3 min read

Q. Two years ago, at age 62, I was forced to take early retirement from my teaching job. My pension is miniscule, and despite trying to find full-time work, I have only been able to string together part-time jobs. I have been divorced for 20 years, so there is no one else in my life to depend on financially.

My days are consumed with trying to make ends meet, and as a result, I have no time or money for a personal life. I can’t afford to travel, my grown children are busy with their own lives, and my friends have spouses or grandchildren who keep them occupied. I can’t even attend church, because I need to work on Sundays.

I spend evenings, weekends and sometimes holidays alone, so I turn on the TV or radio to simulate human voices. I’m fit, intelligent and in good health. I want to know what I’m supposed to do with the rest of my life, because it appears I am going to spend it alone. How can I get out of this rut? – Indy

A. Take some of that time spent in front of the TV and do something that doesn’t require money. Volunteer at your local hospital, library or veterans association. The Salvation Army welcomes volunteers on holidays. You might make some friends in the process, but regardless, instead of feeling lonely, you will be out helping others, and that will take your mind off of your problems and lift your spirits.

Q.My brother never married and has no offspring. He has always been very opinionated about other people’s children. While raising four of my own, he would say, “If he were my child, he’d never get away with that,” or, “Why can’t you keep them home when we go out to eat?”

My daughter is now 48. She has no children, although her three siblings do. She is just like her uncle, saying the kids are all lazy and ill mannered. This is not true. They are honor-roll students and are active in many after-school programs. Their teachers always praise their efforts and accomplishments.

I realize that having children is not for everyone, but childless people who think they have all the answers about how to raise kids and are critical of yours are uncomfortable to be around. Is there any way to get them to stop? – Proud Grandma

A. Probably not. People who have never raised children (like people who have never had a weight problem) simply do not understand how complicated and challenging it can be. Without firsthand knowledge, some folks cannot grasp the day-to-day issues, but it doesn’t stop them from having cast-iron opinions. And of course, many people believe they know everything and are determined to share their unsolicited, negative advice. Your best bet is to ignore them.

Dear Annie: As a recently retired physician, may I add to your advice to “Slowly Falling Out of Love”?

A patient once came to me with severe fatigue and lassitude, saying, “I can barely put one foot in front of the other.” He turned out to be profoundly hypothyroid, and treatment with gradually increasing doses of thyroid medication gave him his life back. “Slowly’s” husband needs a complete medical evaluation by a thinking physician. – Patricia

Email questions to anniesmailbox@comcast.net, or write to: Annie’s Mailbox, c/o Creators Syndicate, 737 3rd Street, Hermosa Beach, CA 90254