ArcaMax

Tell your boyfriend that you no longer want to live with “Dusty,” and initiate a conversation about possible solutions, including the possibility that YOU might move out. Your boyfriend may then face a tough choice.

In short, I’m suggesting that you tap into your inner Yoko and risk breaking up the band, accepting the uncertainty of the consequences.

Dear Amy: COVID-19 is consuming every second of our news cycle. For years, your column was a respite for me from the news of the day. However, recently they are all about issues people are having with the virus.

Are letters concerning COVID-19 the only ones you are getting?

I understand the concerns and fears, but life goes on: Some people are ill or dying, but not of COVID-19. Others are having issues with their children, siblings, spouses, parents, employment, the neighbors, money, etc., that have nothing at all to do with the pandemic, although I agree the virus doesn't make life easier for anyone.

I would like to have my morning coffee and be able to enjoy at least one column, article, or op-ed that isn't about COVID-19, sheltering in place, openings, closings, vaccines, meds, cures, etc.

COVID-Out

Dear COVID-Out: To point out the obvious, your question is about COVID, too.

I’m as overwhelmed as anyone. But life is not the same for people now as it was three months ago, and so the questions submitted to me have changed.

People are NOT having weddings. They are NOT having funerals. They are NOT having graduations, promotions, or professional annoyances. People have NOT been interacting with friends and family. And these quotidian experiences are what inspire questions I run in the column.

Along with you, I hope that we fully emerge (safely and soon) from this anxious time.

Dear Amy: I’m offering “kudos” to you. I’ve noticed that when you answer questions from kids, you do so in a way that is very gentle and compassionate. Your responses often bring tears to my eyes.

A Fan

Dear Fan: Thank you so much. These questions always move me, and I correspond regularly (and privately) with many young people who have written to me over the years.

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(You can email Amy Dickinson at askamy@amydickinson.com or send a letter to Ask Amy, P.O. Box 194, Freeville, NY 13068. You can also follow her on Twitter @askingamy or Facebook.)