DEAR ANNIE: I’m writing because I can’t tell if I’m being too sensitive or if I’m finally seeing something I’ve been ignoring for years.

Dear Annie: I am embarrassed to admit this at my age, but I feel like the kid left out at recess. I am in my late 40s, married with kids, a steady job and a calendar that looks full from the outside. But inside I feel lonely.

The Annie Awards have officially announced its nominations for this year. The 2026 Annie Awards nominations were confirmed by ASIFA-Hollywood.

I feel like I’m the only one reaching out. If I don’t text first, I won’t hear from her for weeks. When I do, she answers with a quick “Crazy busy!”

Dear Annie: I am embarrassed to admit this at my age, but I feel like the kid left out at recess. I am in my late 40s, married with kids, a steady job and a calendar that looks full from the outside. But inside I feel lonely.

Dear Tired: You’re not too sensitive, and you’re not alone. A lot of marriages slowly slide into a pattern where one person becomes the “air traffic controller” of the whole family, and it’s exhausting in a way people don’t always see.

On social media I see group trips, girls’ nights and birthday dinners that I am not included in, even with people I thought I was close to.

I finally asked if I’d done something wrong. She laughed and said, “No, you’re fine,” like I was being dramatic. I don’t want to beg for attention, but I also don’t want to quietly lose someone who mattered to me.