As pity parties go, it was a beaute -- and no one was invited but me.

I was in a post-move funk and feeling pretty sorry for myself a few weeks ago. I wrote a column about being "the new kid" and feeling alone at my daughter's open house. The response from readers was immediate. I got more letters after that column than just about any other, and some of those are featured in this week's Spouse Calls.

Most were relieved to hear that they are not alone in their loneliness. Several wrote to offer me encouragement and wisdom, and all of it taken to heart.

One letter snapped me to attention. It started out "Are you the same Terri Barnes who used to live at LA?" and continued: "If so, I think I sat next to you at open house ... after reading your column today, I had to write." Soon we connected by phone, and yes, we had known each other in California.

Like the reflector-wearing chameleon in the AFN commercial, I must say: "Oh, the irony has not escaped me, I assure you."

I was too pre-occupied with loneliness to look around me and see a familiar face. What a different experience I could have had that day if I had not been. However, my friend Dawn did find me; and I think I needed to go through those low days to realize I do not have life all taped out and under control. Receiving so many kind comments from friends and readers has been uplifiting and humbling.

When Dawn first wrote me, she closed with this, and I will do the same:

"Mostly, I wanted you to know that we all feel lonely in a new place. It will get better, I promise."