DEAR MISS MANNERS: In all ways and to all people, friends and blood relations alike, my lovely wife is loyal and helpful. But during the “shelter in place” situation, she has shown irritability toward me at various times. This is the first time this has happened in 52 years of marriage.
Should I let these odd moments pass or should I give her “feedback” on what I perceive as a change in personality?
GENTLE READER: It depends upon how that feedback is phrased. “Why have you become a raving lunatic?” is not recommended.
Miss Manners suggests that you focus instead on the solution, not on the behavior. “You seem annoyed with me, dear. Perhaps we should take some time apart and work in separate rooms.”