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DEAR ABBY:<\/strong> I have a neurological disorder and can no longer keep up with my friends (who used to be my friends). I don\u2019t explain the problems I have and why I can\u2019t do the things I used to do unless they ask. I still drive, but I have trouble walking. I have a wonderful husband who helps me all the time. I\u2019m lucky I can do what I do, but I am very limited.\u00a0<\/p>\n I don\u2019t know how to explain it to people who look at me like I\u2019m making it up. Abby, I have polyneuropathy and have had seven back surgeries. I have arthritis in all my joints. I live in constant pain, but it doesn\u2019t \u201clook\u201d like I do. How do I explain my disability? I\u2019m tired of being at home and not getting phone calls anymore. How do I tell them there are still things I can<\/em> do? \u2014 DOWN BUT NOT OUT IN RHODE ISLAND<\/p>\n DEAR DOWN:<\/strong> By not discussing your problem, you have contributed to the isolation you are feeling. Not every disability is obvious. Your friends may think you are avoiding them because you don\u2019t want to be with them.\u00a0<\/p>\n You don\u2019t have to make any \u201cgrand announcements,\u201d but you should have a frank talk with your closest friends about what your challenges are. Real friends will make an effort to accommodate you if you let them know you need them in your life. Once you start talking, the word will get around. Trust me on that.<\/p>\n DEAR ABBY:<\/strong> My niece married her second husband two months ago. In lieu of gifts, they asked for money to be used toward a future house. Instead of adding to the \u201cmoney tree,\u201d I handed her my envelope with cash and a card, so she could put it away before the ceremony. I have not received any acknowledgement for the gift.\u00a0<\/p>\n Our family was together recently to celebrate a birthday, and she still didn\u2019t mention the gift. I could overlook the lack of a thank-you note with a verbal acknowledgement, a text or any sort of communication that she appreciated the gift. Should I mention this to her dad (my brother) or another aunt with whom she is close? She has also invited all the members of this side of the family to her home (in another city) but has yet to invite my husband and me. I am really disappointed in her actions, or lack thereof. Am I being too sensitive? \u2014 DISCONTENTED AUNT IN TEXAS<\/p>\n