The Endangered Art of Letter-Writing
“There’s nothing nicer than opening the mailbox and seeing something friendly, something that’s not a bill.”
All the Things We Have to Mourn Now
Six experts explain how to recognize the many new faces of grief during a pandemic.
How Quickly an Unfounded Fear Can Become Reasonable Caution
My grandfather spent his whole adult life separated from his parents. The fear I inherited of being cut off from my own family feels validated by the pandemic.
Friends Are Breaking Up Over Social Distancing
When one friend takes prevention guidelines more seriously than the other, suspicion, fear, and shame can drive them apart.
Dear Therapist: My Husband Thinks Social-Distancing Measures Are Too Extreme
He’s being way too lax about things, and whenever we try to talk about it, we have a fight.
What to Ask Instead of ‘How Are You?’ During a Pandemic
Everyone’s doing badly. We need better questions to ask.
Notes From a Videochat Memorial
Will these Zoom funerals be anything more than empty containers for unshed tears?
Two Errors Our Minds Make When Trying to Grasp the Pandemic
Disappointment and uncertainty are inevitable. But we don’t have to turn them into suffering.
The New White Lies of Lockdown
Spotty Wi-Fi, an upcoming meal, another Zoom happy hour—people are coming up with new excuses for ending social interactions.
On Top of Everything Else, My Dog Died
Mourning a pet when so many humans are dying might feel unseemly, but loss is loss, and it’s okay to feel it.
Dear Therapist: I’m Growing Exhausted Dealing With My Sister’s Anxiety
How can I balance her need for support with my own need for boundaries?
What It’s Like to Live Next Door to Your Best Friend Right Now
“We don’t have this superficial friendship where I’m only best friends with you when things are funny and happy … I’m also here for all the transitions and all the rough patches.”
Is It Ethically Okay to Get Food Delivered Right Now?
A guide to this and other pandemic food dilemmas
The Boomerang Exes of Quarantine
Sometimes social distance can lead to unexpected contact.
I Can’t Stop Thinking About Patient One
Italy shows us that controlling the pandemic will require reshaping family life in much of the world.
The Quiet Revolution of Animal Crossing
In the midst of a pandemic, it’s delightful to imagine doing whatever you like without worrying about making a living.
What Happened to American Childhood?
Too many kids show worrying signs of fragility from a very young age. Here’s what we can do about it.
Dear Therapist: I’m Losing Patience With My Boyfriend in Quarantine
I used to daydream about spending more time with him, but now his habits are starting to get on my nerves.
I Got a Pandemic Puppy, and You Can Too
Seriously, share this with the person you need to persuade.
We Need to Stop Trying to Replicate the Life We Had
Attempting to translate your old social habits to Zoom or FaceTime is like going vegetarian and proceeding to glumly eat a diet of just tofurkey.