My yoga studio has moved classes online for the time being. The classes are free, but with a suggested donation of $5 per class. The problem: I’ve been laid off because of the pandemic, and even though $5 sounds like nothing, I have no idea how long my small savings will last or when I’ll return to work. Is it wrong to skip the donation? —Anonymous

TAKE THE STUDIO AT ITS WORD: For now, classes are free. If you feel uncomfortable not making the suggested donation, email the studio manager to discuss your predicament. Let them know you’ll do your best to make it up to the studio when you’re back on your feet. And for those who can afford to make more than suggested donations to small businesses you value, now is the time! We really are all in this together.
—Adapted from “Social Q’s” in The New York Times Magazine