DEAR SOMEONE ELSE’S MOM: My dad has called himself a hypochondriac for as long as I can remember. It got worse after he and my mom split up right before I started high school. When that happened, they were given joint custody of me, so I started splitting my time between their two homes, which I continue to do even while I’m now in college. I get along great with both my parents, and I actually enjoy being with them both, just not when they’re together.

Now that my dad is what he calls semi-retired, he has more time to worry about his health, and obviously, COVID hasn’t helped. He has sat in his car in stupid long lines four times I know of to get tested whenever he believes he has any of the potential symptoms. He is really healthy, and except for slightly high blood pressure and cholesterol, he is in really good shape for someone who is almost 60. But he refuses to go out of the house, except for getting tested and so far for his two vaccination appointments.

Now that he’s fully vaccinated, he needs to start getting out, and stop focusing on his health. What do I do to convince him it’s safe, and actually a good thing, to get out of the house once in a while? He is beginning to get a little weird from being home all the time and alone for half of it. --- HYPOCHONDRIAC’S KID

DEAR HYPOCHONDRIAC’S KID: I know a few people who, like your dad, are still not comfortable leaving their homes these days — even after they’ve been fully vaccinated. I’m glad when I hear that most of them at least venture out for some exercise and the occasional trip to do some necessary shopping.

Perhaps you could work on getting your dad out for a walk, even in your neighborhood, with you along, masked and socially distanced. You can explain to him that you really need the exercise yourself, and that you don’t have to stay out for too long. I’d start small and close to home, at a time when it isn’t likely you’ll encounter any neighbors. Then, if that works, you could try a local park, which will hopefully have other people, but also enough space to avoid being too close to them for your dad’s comfort. In time, you could talk to him about getting some professional help to deal with his anxieties, but that would probably be a hard sell right now.

Baby steps. I think that’s what it’s going to take to get your dad and countless others back out in the world again.

DEAR SOMEONE ELSE’S MOM: My son is going back to school to get his master’s in psychology, which, as he and his dad explain, he needs to get very far in such a competitive field.

I’m all for his going back to school and have told him that if he needs, he can move back into my basement apartment, where he lived for a few months after he graduated the first time. The space is currently not being rented out, and even though his being there will cut into my extra income, it will be okay for a while.

My ex-husband has told our son that he doesn’t see why we can’t help him with the tuition as well. That I can’t do comfortably. My ex and I pooled our money and took care of most of the costs for a bachelor’s, but I am not ready to take on any more expense for an adult child. Am I being selfish, like my ex keeps telling me I am? --- FEEL LIKE I’M DOING ENOUGH

DEAR FEEL LIKE I’M DOING ENOUGH: Based on what you shared, I’m on your side. Allowing your son to live rent-free is no small contribution to furthering his education.

If your ex-husband is able and willing to kick in some money towards the other expenses, then that can be his way of offering support to your son.

DEAR SOMEONE ELSE’S MOM: One of my bosses has been battling cancer for several years. Sadly, he is now in his final weeks, and it has been hard on everyone in the shop. He is a really good guy, and has tried to stay involved in the running of the business he and his partner started nearly 60 years ago. We all think it helps him to keep as busy as his health allows.

There are three of us who take turns bringing him work that can’t be done on-line or by phone put together by his partner. The other two seem to not have as much trouble seeing him in his failing condition as I do. My grandfather passed less than a year ago from cancer, and it all brings back painful memories.

I have always liked my boss, and he has always been really good to me, bringing me on when I had almost no experience. But I don’t know how much longer I can continue with these visits. I just find it so hard. I know my coworkers would pick up my days, but I am still trying to stick it out.

If I did back out of the visits, do you think it would be wrong and make me a coward? --- FEELING LIKE A COWARD

DEAR FEELING LIKE A COWARD: Having recently lost someone close to you to cancer gives you painfully fresh insight into just how heartbreakingly difficult it is for both your boss and his loved ones. I can certainly understand why your reaction may be to remove yourself from the situation. However, before making that decision, you might want to have a conversation with your other boss about how you’re feeling. I’m guessing his long-time partner knows your ailing boss well. Listen to what guidance you get from that corner, and don’t judge yourself harshly if continuing the visits is too much for you. Seeing, or even sensing, your discomfort could potentially make it harder on your boss, and wouldn’t be helpful to anyone involved.