DEAR MISS MANNERS: I’m a community volunteer who participates in and has created community organizations to do a variety of projects — arts, history, service, political advocacy and so forth. I deeply enjoy it and have devoted a lot of time to this work over the years.

The other night, though, after feeling a little slowed down and more tired than usual (I’m in my late 60s with some age-related medical issues) and thinking that I’d like to start cutting back on some of my volunteer load, I commented to that effect during a meeting.

My friends, probably thinking that they were expressing their admiration for my long-term productivity, laughed at the idea that I could be feeling tired. In other words, instead of expressing sympathy and openness about helping me shed responsibilities, they maybe assumed that I must be joking. I was a little taken aback, surprised and a little hurt. What would be a good way to politely approach this at the next meeting?

GENTLE READER: With an announcement that you are now cutting back. Yes, you will get more laughter, denial and attempts to dissuade you. It means more work for them — and Miss Manners believes that is where you may expect their sympathy to be directed.

Please send your questions to Miss Manners at missmanners.com, by email to [email protected], or through postal mail to Miss Manners, Andrews McMeel Syndication, 1130 Walnut St., Kansas City, MO 64106.