DEAR HARRIETTE: My husband has been unemployed for about six months now. He is depressed since he is not able to pay the household bills as he normally does. I have taken it upon myself to see if I can help my husband find employment. Do you think I am overstepping my boundaries? -- Caring Wife, New York City
DEAR CARING WIFE: It is a kind and thoughtful gesture to try to get work for your husband. Men often take it particularly hard when they lose their jobs and have families for whom they are responsible. Depression is often a side effect of unemployment.
Your husband needs your encouragement and love. What you may want to do is tell him if you hear of any job leads here and there. Be mindful of setting him up for a position that he may not want to accept. Sometimes when people do the legwork for others, it can backfire.