Dear Therapist: My Husband Thinks Social-Distancing Measures Are Too Extreme

Editor’s Note: Every Monday, Lori Gottlieb answers questions from readers about their problems, big and small. Have a question? Email her at dear.therapist@theatlantic.com.

Dear Therapist,

My husband and I have opposite views on dealing with social distancing. I am trying to follow the advice from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and leave the house only when necessary. I have been to the grocery store, the pharmacy, and the gas station, and I have exercised outdoors. Other than that, I have stayed home.

My husband, who works in public safety, feels that these social-distancing measures are too extreme, and he worries about the effects on people’s mental health and the economy. He frequently goes to the hardware store, and has hung out with his friends on a few occasions. When he’s socializing with his friends, they stay outside and “at a safe distance.”