ArcaMax

Is there something I can say to her to get her to stop making that same remark to me every time I see her?

-- Hard Working & Homeshored

Dear Homeshored: It's possible that your co-worker IS being intentionally snarky. It's also possible that she is just -- basically -- greeting you with the benign sort of throwaway that people who don't really know one another use.

Passive aggression only works if you bite the hook. You've done that, internally, by assuming that she is calling you out on the privilege you admit to and enjoy.

So own it. She says, "You're working a long day today!" and you say something innocuous like, "No work day is long if you love what you do, amirite?"

And then you segue: "Hey, I'm concerned because I've sent you a few emails and IMs, but you haven't responded. Are you not receiving them? I want to make sure you're receiving my work messages. Can you double-check and get back to me?"

Dear Amy: "Nervous Nelly" described debilitating anxiety after giving birth.

After the birth of my third child, I learned about post-partum anxiety. It isn't as well discussed as post-partum depression, but it is just as real and debilitating.

I feel like if I had heard of it before, my husband and I would have noticed signs of it far sooner.

Once I got treatment, I felt like myself again, and I only needed over-the-counter supplements. It can show up after any birth.

I hope this new mom will realize that taking care of herself is just as vital as taking care of her baby.

-- Been There

Dear Been There: I share your concern. Thank you.

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(You can contact Amy Dickinson via email: askamy@amydickinson.com. Readers may send postal mail to Ask Amy, P.O. Box 194, Freeville, NY 13068. You can also follow her on Twitter @askingamy or "like" her on Facebook.)