Dear Abby: Accented in Georgia

[amadi]

Dear Abby: I have lived in the U.S. for 40 years. My first 32 years were spent in Puerto Rico, so I speak with an accent. My problem is almost everyone I meet asks me where I’m from. I usually try to disguise my discomfort by jokingly asking them to guess. The truth is, I feel singled out as not belonging. My friends tell me I’m being too sensitive. Would it be impolite for me to point out that they’re asking for very personal information?
Accented in Georgia

Dear Accented: I think so. People are often curious when someone has an accent. I have a strong Midwestern accent, and people ask me where I’m from. They aren’t asking because they are nosy; they’re trying to be friendly. Many people in this country come from other places, and the more who come, the more often that question will be raised.