ArcaMax

Also, being socially isolated is extremely hard on many people – in ways they may not be able to recognize or express. Your wife may be distracted, anxious, and depressed – as many people are right now. (Her change in hygiene is one sign.) Urge her to check in with her doctor to be screened for depression.

You might be able to coax her toward you by initiating an outing. Pack a picnic. Go to a nice outdoor spot where you two can sit together, take in some new scenery (including each other), and reconnect. Celebrate your private blessings. Start to make plans, pointed toward that time when the world will be fully open.

Dear Amy: I think I’m too considerate and helpful. I often go out of my way to help my friends. I always answer their messages right away. I'm always available when they ask. I guess I do this because it makes me feel important and loved.

When my friends are selfish, I get quietly resentful instead of brushing it off or calling them out.

My friends who have stronger personalities can "get away" with being rude or selfish. But whenever I do something selfish or rude, no one hesitates to let me know. My mom used to say about me with a laugh: "'Clara' is so nice, but everyone's always mad at her."

I care so much about being perceived as nice and fair, that I am unfair to myself. I have this irrational fear of anyone ever getting angry with me. Do you have tips for emotional strength, and learning to be less considerate?

Too Nice

Dear Too Nice: In human relationships, being less available often makes people respect you more. It’s counterintuitive, but it’s true.

I think you overextend yourself for others because you are worried that if you don’t, you might disappear. And that if you disappeared, you might not be missed. This insecurity makes you a target for more aggressive people.

Being kind and loving starts with how you treat yourself. You don’t have to go around confronting people (that’s not your style), but you do need to set limits, retreat if you don’t like the way you are being treated, and if someone is a jerk – reconsider whether it is worth being friends with them at all.

You should choose to be around people who value your kindness and generosity, and respect you as an individual.

Dear Amy: “Blessed Dad” had a helpful and courteous cousin living with his household during the pandemic, but he wondered if she should pray aloud with the family at mealtime.

If only one person in that particular household could appreciate the many forms an answer to a prayer can look like, perhaps he wouldn't feel that employing structural reinforcements to his own personal faith were necessary.

Davis

Dear Davis: Amen!

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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.)