Dear Annie: Last August I met the man of my dreams. I thought I had finally found someone to spend the rest of my life with. "Boyd" works alternate 12-hour shifts. Right now, he is working nights. I know he is tired when he comes home, but lately he has been distant. When I question him, he says he is exhausted. It is really hard for me to sleep alone, so I don't fall asleep until a few hours before he gets home. I thought returning to bed when Boyd does would be a way for us to share time together, but lately, he doesn't seem to care if I join him or not. I have noticed the same attitude with other things that used to be special between us. We no longer hold hands or share looks the way two people in love do. Is he trying in his own way to tell me it is over, or am I just paranoid because of my past lousy experiences? — Lost Dear Lost: It's possible Boyd is simply exhausted, and when you wait up for him, he feels pressured to "perform," which makes him resentful. We recommend you give him some space, while making your home a relaxing refuge for him. If something else is going on, you will find out soon enough.