Marriage counselors will sometimes talk to couples about making emotional deposits and withdrawals. The idea is that we human beings are finite creatures, and even the most stable and good-natured soul does not have a limitless reservoir of energy, good cheer, and hope. When the people or circumstances around us keep making “withdrawals,” therefore — drawing down and draining our energy and emotions — we will eventually come to a point where we feel like we have nothing more to give. It’s important for husbands and wives, therefore, to do the little things that serve as “deposits” in their spouses. 

We know the truth of it, and it goes beyond marriage. The same phenomenon occurs in the workplace, at school, and at church. Most of us are not able to maintain completely separate compartments …