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Dear Diane: Today I read your interesting article about people who would like other people to visit them instead of always having to go to the other people’s houses. I am from India, and I am in the USA for three years. I am married to an American. He is a wonderful husband. I am living in a small town in Illinois.

I think America is a great nation, but many people are sad and lonely, basically. I must tell you that if I had not married into an American family, I would not know much about American culture.

When I came to the United States, I soon realized that people are much different than in India. People here don’t go to each other’s houses for a visit. If I want to meet my girlfriend, it is not at her house but outside at a restaurant, where we can eat and talk. So friendship is kind of expensive.

People here are so distant and superficial. I have found that it is hard to make close friends, too. People like to be your friend only if you are exactly compatible with them. Even most of the families are not close. I have been miserable in America. I don’t have people from India in my town who can understand me.

I think those people who are fine inviting you to their house but not fine going to your house think they are superior to you, so you always should go to their house.

My mother-in-law just can’t stand being in my house, and it is not that something is wrong with me. Something is wrong with her, and I am sure it is pride.

— Eva Via E-Mail

Dear Eva: Thank you so much for writing. It’s refreshing to see things from another perspective.