Big Mood, Little Mood with Daniel M. Lavery

Prudence is joined this week by Courtney C.W. Guerra, an editor and writer who's been giving advice as Dear Businesslady since 2014. Together, they tackle questions about talking to your partner who thinks they know how to do your job better than you, how do decide if you’re ready for a big move for a new job, what obligations do you have to answer work texts when your job provides your phone, how to talk to your parent about not wanting their new partner to officiate your wedding, and is there an appropriate way to see if my job interviewer felt the sparks the same way I did? Slate Plus members will hear Prudie and Courtney discuss an additional letter about weighing your options when you want to hire a close friend to work for you. Not yet a member? Sign up at Slate.com/PrudiePod.Email: [email protected] by Max Jacobs Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Prudence is joined this week by researcher and writer Jamie Fisher. Together they take on questions about whether or not to visit a close platonic friend that makes their partner jealous, how to talk to my partner about the fact that sex might be off the table, what can I do to deal with my fiance’s family (and their dogs) who don’t take seriously my trauma from a childhood dog attack, and how to find peace and joy when dating has proven unsuccessful. Slate Plus members will hear Prudie and Jamie discuss additional voicemails, one about how to deal with strangers who constantly mistake a new mom for still being pregnant, and the last about a college student trying to decide if they should take classes for their major or just for fun. Not yet a member? Sign up at Slate.com/PrudiePod.Email: [email protected] by Max Jacobs Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Prudence is joined this week by writer and activist Jaclyn Friedman. Together they tackle questions about whether it’s ever ok to misgender someone when talking to a doctor, when to establish boundaries when working as a personal assistant, how to think about your own sexuality when your parents and therapist have reacted with homophobia, where to look for new purpose and joy at an older age, what kind of conversation to have with your in-laws who put their dirty shoes on the couch, and how to navigate wedding invites to friends who have multiple partners (and some of whom you don’t like). Slate Plus members will hear Prudie and Jaclyn discuss an additional letter about how a young company might need to rethink their nude beach work outings. Not yet a member? Sign up at Slate.com/PrudiePod.Email: [email protected] by Max Jacobs Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Prudence is joined this week by standup comedian Myq Kaplan, who hosts the new podcast Broccoli and Ice Cream, and who is making his second appearance on the show. Together they take on questions about how to decide if your partner is being vulnerable or controlling in a polyamorous relationship, what to do if you think you might be racist, how to appease your mother about miniscule wedding invite details when she is paying and whether or not you should kidnap a dog to get it fixed. Slate Plus members can hear Prudie and Myq discuss an additional letter about a difficult discussion surrounding close friends, partners, and consent. Not yet a member? Sign up at Slate.com/PrudiePod.Email: [email protected] by Max Jacobs Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Prudence is joined this week by Jessie Lane, a social worker, mother, excellent cook, and holder of many opinions (and in this episode, holder of a baby). They tackle questions about how to deal with a coworker who tells the boss about their seemingly private suggestions for workplace improvement, how to tell your family about your sister’s boyfriend’s predatory behavior, what to do when your kid doesn’t fit in well with your family’s childcare, how to deal with a queer friend offended by a straight partner’s bigoted remarks, and how to deal with a male friend who feels too distracted by female friends to continue the friendship. In the full-length, ad-free version of the show, Slate Plus members can hear Prudie and Jessie Lane tackle additional an additional voicemail about what do when your parent decides to marry their high school girlfriend (whom they haven’t seen in 50 years) just a few months after being widowed. Not yet a member? Sign up at Slate.com/PrudiePod.Email: [email protected] by Max Jacobs Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Prudence is joined this week by Aria Velasquez, an audience engagement editor at Slate. First up, I’m worried my discussion with my eight year old about me and my husband’s sexual orientation has greatly confused her, please help! Next...my family is struggling after an awful accident in which my father killed a neighbor’s dog and in which my kids blame themselves. I think I may have found “the one” but our interactions with another couple leave us both feeling outrageously jealous… (only for Slate Plus) Following that: my coworker is taking all the communal office food and I’d like to speak up without hurting their feelings, is this possible? And lastly, I’m giving a lot of financial support to one of my granddaughters after a terrible car accident in which she’ll need lifetime medical support, but some of my children and grandchildren are reacting with greed and not empathy and I’m at a loss for how to speak with them. Hear more Prudence by joining Slate Plus: Slate.com/Prudiepod.Email: [email protected] by Max Jacobs Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Prudence is joined this week by Kayla Whaley, a writer living outside Atlanta with a focus on disability, sexuality, and the body. First, this letter writer has a great job but is feeling anxious about her close friend applying for any available job at the company. Next, this letter writer has been in a long term and long distance relationship where communication is difficult and they sometimes go weeks without talking - is it time to think about moving on? My close friend is experiencing terrible anxiety and texts me throughout the day, but I don’t know how much longer I can provide this kind of support, help! And lastly, a voicemail from a caller who is still feeling hurt from comments a stranger on the street made towards her in passing. Hear more Prudence by joining Slate Plus: Slate.com/Prudiepod.Email: [email protected] by Max Jacobs Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Prudence is joined this week by Paola Dayanan, a TV-obsessed HR professional from Northern Virginia. First, a letter writer struggles with work after two devastating losses and a manager who doesn’t seem supportive. Next, a concerned letter writer cannot contain their horror as they watch their friend grab handfuls of expensive bulk snacks while walking through the grocery store without paying - is a confrontation looming? Then, a friend group questioned this letter writer’s sexuality and very identity and they’re having trouble coming to terms with it and wondering if the friendship is salvageable. Hear more Prudence by joining Slate Plus: Slate.com/Prudiepod.Email: [email protected] by Max Jacobs Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Prudence is joined by Krystal Farmer: twitter, podcast, and emo music enthusiast. First, my partner will no longer accompany me to my family’s gathering because of the “redneck BS” he hears - what can I do? Next, my family won’t turn off their Alexa device when we stay there, even though it really creeps us out - are we being unreasonable or are they? And, a group of single moms who help each other out with carpool and childcare are tired of one mom whose efforts they don’t think are cutting it. Hear more Prudence by joining Slate Plus: Slate.com/Prudiepod.Email: [email protected] by Max Jacobs Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Prudence is joined by Margie Omero, a Democratic pollster and co-host of the bipartisan podcast “The Pollsters.” First up, my life feels unglamorous and the TV shows I watch just make me bitter, how can I address this? Next, I have a great relationship with my mother, but she owes me money I need for rent, help! Then, my wife often changes the gender of traditional male-dominated stories when she reads them to our daughter and I worry this could be jarring for her when she is able to read them for herself. Hear more Prudence by joining Slate Plus: Slate.com/Prudiepod.Email: [email protected] by Max Jacobs Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Prudence is joined by Baby Ange, host of the podcast Femme Too Deep. First up, a letter about “sex negativity” - this letter-writer did not enjoy sex with their partner but is having trouble finding constructive words to talk about it. Next, a father (and we suspect, not a regular listener) struggles with watching his teenage daughter grow up. Then, two co-parents are falling for eachother: should they go for it? And finally, a letter-writer worries that his brief courtship with a woman recently widowed was ended because of his inconsiderate comments. Hear more Prudence by joining Slate Plus: Slate.com/Prudiepod.Email: [email protected] by Max Jacobs Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Prudence is joined by Olga Kreimer, a journalist and grad student who writes an aggressively earnest advice column at the LA Review of Books. First up: will it be awkward if I don’t mention my husband in the acknowledgment of my first book since he was super unsupportive of my writing process? As a teacher near Parkland, I’m having serious anxiety about our school’s preparedness for a shooting, but administrators aren’t taking my concerns seriously - what can I do? And lastly, my in-laws make wild accusations about folks in their hometown where I now live - what can I do and what if some of them are true? Hear more Prudence by joining Slate Plus: Slate.com/Prudiepod.Email: [email protected] by Max Jacobs Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Prudence is joined by Josh Gondelman, stand up comedian and writer for Last Week Tonight with John Oliver. First up, my Uncle says he won’t come to my wedding unless he’s joined by the woman he had an affair with, but my Aunt and their kids are still devastated - help! Next, I’m worried I’m an abusive partner to my husband - how can I know and what do I need to do next? My spouse’s family takes their made up holidays very seriously and sometimes insist on family portraits with “blood relatives only,” but there are a lot of folks who have married in… how can I bring up how crappy this feels? Hear more Prudence by joining Slate Plus: Slate.com/Prudiepod.Email: [email protected] by Max Jacobs Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Prudence is joined by powerhouse couple Gillian Evans and Lucy Mueller to help answer letters. First up: I’ve begun fostering a young child whose parents want me to prepare halal meals for him, but my family’s diet is much different - what should I do? Next, my parents keep insisting I need a roommate, but I am financially independent and don’t need their input…how can I politely tell them to respect my choices? I have a medical condition that makes sex painful - a surgical fix would mean months without sex, and I worry for my partner during that time. And lastly, how can I share my recent good news with friends who are going through hard times? Hear more Prudence by joining Slate Plus: Slate.com/Prudiepod.Email: [email protected] by Max Jacobs Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Prudence is joined by Justine D’Souza, a Phone Support Counselor for a youth helpline. We start with a job seeker who has concerns about disclosing their health problems during the interview process. Then, an employee whose boss searches their desk and email inbox when they step out, calling them out for...their yogurt spoons. A loving spouse no longer feels attracted to their trans partner and needs some guidance. And lastly, a letter-writer doesn’t want to feel like a “cruise-director” to their bored husband. Hear more Prudence by joining Slate Plus: Slate.com/Prudiepod.Email: [email protected] by Max JacobsPlease fill out the Slate podcast survey at slate.com/podcastsurvey Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Prudence is joined by Jolie Kerr, a cleaning expert, advice columnist and host of the podcast, Ask a Clean Person. We begin with a concerned letter-writer whose sister is involved with a reckless and dangerous partner on how she can remain supportive while advocate for her sister’s well being. Next, this reader just frankly doesn’t want to be friends with her eager neighbor but they’ve picked up on none of the “I don’t want to be friends” hints. And lastly, a husband of 35 years is feeling at a loss because his wife no longer wants to sleep with him. Hear more Prudence by joining Slate Plus: Slate.com/Prudiepod.Email: [email protected] by Max JacobsPlease fill out the Slate podcast survey at slate.com/podcastsurvey Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Prudence is joined by writer and self-appointed mom friend Jess Reynolds. First up, my ex and I “split the sheets” (tamer than you might think) after our career paths didn’t align, but I’m feeling drawn to him again even though I’m engaged to someone else - help! Next up, my husband expects me to do a ton of housework for his stepkids. I’m feeling underappreciated and he’s not doing his share. Can I just check into a hotel and let them sort it out? Help! Hear more Prudence by joining Slate Plus: Slate.com/Prudiepod.Email: [email protected] by Max Jacobs Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Prudence is joined by hosts of the podcast By the Book: Kristen Meinzer and Jolenta Greenberg. First, how can I talk to my parents about feeling like I’m only acknowledged for academic achievements? Next, advice for an older sister unsure of how to help her brother who is demonstrating worrisome and creepy behavior. I’m keeping my baby, but friends don’t understand - what can I say? And lastly, I know instagram is all about putting your best self first, but I still want my own highlight reel and my partner doesn’t understand. Help! Hear more Prudence by joining Slate Plus: Slate.com/Prudiepod.Email: [email protected] by Max Jacobs Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Our first live show! Prudence is joined onstage at the Brava Theater in San Francisco by writer and advice columnist Nicole Cliffe and lawyer and novelist Jasmine Guillory who read through letters and answer questions from the crowd. The team helps a writer trying to find out how a former partner died when their only connection is through facebook. A supportive sister wants to tell her brother she knows he’s gay, but wants to respective his privacy. I told my partner about my racist upbringing, and it seems to have struck a nerve - what can I do? And lastly, how can I set boundaries for my parents and in-laws who keep score of who visits our baby and when? Hear back episodes of Prudence at Slate.com/Prudiepod. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, writer Rohin Guha tells us of the joys of leaving Twitter post Trump election. First, the Prudence team takes on gender discrimination at a so-called forward-thinking progressive company. “Tired Asexual” asks “how do I regain my ability to appreciative media that shoehorns romantic interludes as stand-ins for all important interpersonal dynamics?” And lastly, when bird-sitting for neighbors, how can I confront them about their racist artwork? Hear more Prudence by joining Slate Plus: Slate.com/Prudiepod. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Prudence is joined this week by Charlotte Shane, author, essayist, and co-founder of TigerBee Press. First up - what to say when your sister compares your desire to have a child with adopting a cat. And how can I respectfully deal with attending friends’ engagements and weddings when I am still single and not feeling the festive spirit? Then - an affair with a famous person (of course we guess) has been going on for years, but do I need to alter my expectations? And finally, my wife got a great job in a distant city, but the kids and I don’t want to leave...are we jerks? Hear more Prudence by joining Slate Plus: Slate.com/Prudiepod. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week we tackle the timeless question of how to eat from a jar of peanut butter in public when you don’t have a utensil. Then, farmer, educator, and food justice advocate Anna Luberoff joins to help with the mailbag. First, when dealing with overwhelming grief, how can I remain present at work and do I need to speak with my co-workers who may not always understand what I’m going through? And speaking of office politics, do I need to speak to a higher-up after attending my company holiday party even though I was off work for medical leave? And lastly, what can I do about my cat lady neighbor peering into my window early in the mornings to say hi to my cats? Hear more Prudence by joining Slate Plus: Slate.com/Prudiepod. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week we’re revisiting some of the trickiest, thorniest questions of the past year. First up: I’ve been engaged for five years with no wedding in sight. Help! What do I say to strangers who tell me I’m “not dark enough” to be from my home country? I’m terrified of the doll my wife made our kid – can I say something? And finally: My husband gets furious when I talk about bodily functions at the dinner table – is he right? Hear more Prudence by joining Slate Plus: Slate.com/Prudiepod. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week we’re revisiting some of the trickiest, thorniest questions of the past year. First up: I keep lending my friend money and she never pays me back. Help! Then: I love my daughter-in-law, so why doesn’t my son want me talking to her? My employee technically isn’t doing anything wrong, except annoying everybody – what can I do? And finally: My boyfriend has refused to stock toilet paper since I bought him a bidet. Help! Hear more Prudence by joining Slate Plus: Slate.com/Prudiepod. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We’re kicking off this week with some listener feedback on good problem to have – adjusting to earning enough money for more than just the essentials of life! And then, professional trans lesbian Elizabeth Mills joins to respond to your letters! First up: My sister is asking for cash for Christmas, but I’m afraid I’d be enabling destructive habits. What’s the right gift? My fiance doesn’t want me to stay friends with someone I hooked up with once. Help! My ailing sister moved home after a life of ignoring me and expects me to see to her every need! Help! And finally: How can I let go of my worries about being “too feminine” to be trans? Hear more Prudence by joining Slate Plus: Slate.com/Prudiepod. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

First up: An enthusiastic endorsement from Prudence for walking out of movies you don’t like! Then, academic and pop culture writer Anthony Oliveira joins to tackle your letters: How do I get my husband to stop using a body spray that makes me ill? My husband and I married young – should we open up our marriage to try new things? I adopted a lost cat as my own, but now I think I might’ve stolen it. And finally: My friends created a dumb nickname for my boyfriend and it stuck – how do I let it go so I don’t accidentally call him by it? Hear more Prudence by joining Slate Plus: Slate.com/Prudiepod. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Advice enthusiast and diversity consultant Valerie Aurora joins for a discussion of keeping your Christmas costumes away from Thanksgiving. Then onto your letters! First up: My best friends are growing closer and leaving me behind. Help! Should I tell my boyfriend I had an affair even though we’re breaking up anyway? I just found out that a former co-worker who assaulted me changed his name and became a doctor – should I report his violent behavior to his work? Hear more Prudence by joining Slate Plus: Slate.com/Prudiepod. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Listener Rachel Tibbetts joins for a doozy of a batch of sibling and family related letters. First up: my sister is repeating the same mistakes as my homewrecker father and she expects my support. Help! My parents never gave me a dime growing up and now my siblings are throwing a fit that they helped me buy a house. My ex is getting married three weeks after our divorce – what do I tell our kids? Should I warn my brother’s fiancee about his violent past? And finally: is it fair to ask my busy husband to do more? Hear more Prudence by joining Slate Plus: Slate.com/Prudiepod. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dear Prudence is back with her annual reminder: it’s okay to ruin the holidays! Then, advice columnist Anna Pulley joins to respond to your letters! First up: can an open marriage save my sexless one? I moved to a retirement community where 1970s-style sexism runs rampant. Help! I’m in a happy and healthy relationship with a man slightly younger than me – why is my family so convinced he’s using me? And finally: how do I tell my accident-prone friend I don’t want her to hold my baby?Hear more Prudence by joining Slate Plus: Slate.com/Prudiepod. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Author Sarah Gailey joins Prudence to advise on matters of laundry, sisterhood, salary, and more! First up: what’s the protocol for abandoned clothes in a public dryer? Then: Should I tell my sister I think marrying her fiance is a mistake? My friends are icing me and I didn’t do anything wrong. Help! My therapist told another client – my dad – things I told her in a session. What do I do? And finally: how do negotiate for the salary I want in a final interview? Plus, hiring manager secrets from our guest!Hear more Prudence by joining Slate Plus: Slate.com/Prudiepod. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Prudence is back to tackle your letters! First up: I think my workplace is about to hire the terrible boss from my last job. Help! The love of my life left me for a friend of ours when I was pregnant with his child – am I supposed to try to co-parent with this woman? My new co-worker is giving off transphobic vibes – how can I open up her mind? Should I believe the stranger who told me my husband forced sex on her years ago? My marriage is dead, but I can’t bear the thought of divorce fallout – what do I do? Hear more Prudence by joining Slate Plus: Slate.com/Prudiepod. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Writer Rachael Herron joins Prudence to tackle a bundle of tricky letters! First up: Should I have said something to the men making sexist comments within earshot of my wife? My friend ignored my warnings about her terrible ex – now she says I abandoned her after their breakup. Help! How do I politely refuse donations from sources that my workplace is morally opposed to? How can I get my superiors to stop asking me for free work? Hear more Prudence by joining Slate Plus: Slate.com/Prudiepod. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Writer and Bitch magazine co-founder Lisa Jervis joins Prudence to hash out how to be the best “mysterious widow” – and respond to your letters! First up: Should I tell an acquaintance her boyfriend is a known rapist? My sister’s fertility battle is making her step-daughter feel like she doesn’t count as a child. Help! I’m disappointed with my wedding photos – what can I do to solve this? My friend asks to “split” an entree every time it’s her turn to buy lunch. Help! My mom calls me several times a week and only talks about herself – how do I get her to back off? Hear more Prudence by joining Slate Plus: Slate.com/Prudiepod. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dear Prudence and guest Mary Goss navigate your family and relationship quandaries. First up: Is it selfish to feel fear after surviving tragedy when other people had it way worse? How can I get my hearing family to accept me? My adoptive sibling doesn’t get along with my biological family – what do I do? My friend gave me her blessing to date her ex and now she’s bad-mouthing me online. Help! My brother-in-law married into money and won’t stop talking about his lavish lifestyle – should I ask him to stop? Hear more Prudence by joining Slate Plus: Slate.com/Prudiepod. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In a spirit of excitement and terror, Prudie and Washington Post writer Amanda Erickson, jump into your letters. First up: I punched an emotionally abusive family member in the face – how do I make it up to her? How do I get my in-laws to stop calling my bi-racial children “little monkeys?” My mom is neglecting my kid sister – what do I do? My adult friend carries a doll with her everywhere and I’m worried about her. Help! Hear more Prudence by joining Slate Plus: Slate.com/Prudiepod. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Y.A. fiction writer and advocate for the disabled Maggie Faid joins Prudie to consult on matters of wedding guests, grief, and giving iPads to strangers. Should I tell my best friend how sad I am that she can’t come to my wedding? My sister tells everyone she lost a child, but I don’t think a miscarriage counts. A stranger got mad at me for not letting her kid play with my iPad – did I do something wrong? Can I tell my brother not to spank his children when my kids are around? Is it self-serving to offer condolences to someone I hardly know? Hear more Prudence by joining Slate Plus: Slate.com/Prudiepod. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Former Toast editor Nikki Chung joins Prudie to tackle a thorny bunch of your letters! First up: I’m living with a slob and I can’t afford to move out. Help! How do I get my husband to be kinkier in the bedroom? I might have prompted my daughter to make a false accusation of sexual abuse – what do I do? I can’t fall out of love with my lesbian wife. Help! How should I split rent with my partner? And finally: Is it selfish not to go to my boyfriend’s sister’s wedding? Hear more Prudence by joining Slate Plus: Slate.com/Prudiepod. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Writer and commentator Lindy West joins Prudence to encourage Thelma-and-Louise-style road trips for jilted lovers and discourage kicking people out of wedding parties. First up in your letters: My boyfriend period shames me. Help! My fiancé has been postponing our marriage for five years – what should I do? Should I tell my sister-in-law that her kids’ grandpa is a convicted sex offender? And finally: I’m a lesbian, but I want to stay in my heterosexual marriage to preserve my family. Is that wrong? Hear more Prudence by joining Slate Plus: Slate.com/Prudiepod. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today on Dear Prudence: baby-stealing, stalking, and insufficient wokeness. First up: My boss keeps joking about wanting to take my baby. Help! Should I tell potential employers I had a stalker? My husband’s kids found out he smokes weed and he’s blaming me for it. How do I put an end to the ongoing social justice one-upmanship by my friends? I’m a bisexual man who practices very safe sex – do I need to tell casual partners about my orientation? Hear more Prudence by joining Slate Plus: Slate.com/Prudiepod. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Buzzfeed's Nichole Perkins joins to help out with your letters! I was open about my depression on social media and only some of my friends reached out to me – should I stay close with the others? The woman who ruined my marriage got hit by a car... and I’m happy about it. Am I horrible? I’m a balding white man with a shaved head – could people think I’m a skinhead? I want to spend my recent windfall on my kids’ school, but my husband’s already earmarking it for himself. How do I tell my friend I won’t hang out with her if she doesn’t deal with her B.O.? My husband is obsessed with “checking in” on social media and won’t stop even when it causes trouble. Help! Hear more Prudence by joining Slate Plus: Slate.com/Prudiepod. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

First up: an exciting update on the one true way to date a former boss and how Prudie helped make it happen. Then, your letters! My mom wants me to discourage my daughter from doing “boy” things. My friends are convinced my boyfriend is a stalker! My boyfriend has bad table manners and I’m worried it’s going to have professional consequences for him. Help! I want to support a business trying to unionize, but I don’t know how to do it. And finally: is there a way to ask out a former student that isn’t creepy? Hear more Prudence by joining Slate Plus: Slate.com/Prudiepod. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today, it’s a coming out party for first-time fig-eaters, brothers, people who don’t want to talk about their hair, artists, and more! First up: My dad wants my brother to wait to tell my conservative grandma he’s gay, but I think he should come out now. Who’s right? Then: I told my friend I loved her – now I want her out of my life and she won’t go away. Help! My parents stifled my creativity as a kid and now I’m terrified to try to use my artistic talents. I’m a cancer survivor – how do I tell my well-meaning co-workers to stop commenting on my hair growing back? And finally: is it transphobic to want a divorce from a partner who wants to transition? Hear more Prudence by joining Slate Plus: Slate.com/Prudiepod. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today we’ve got a very important update regarding the bidet letter! Then, Ali St. James & Olivia Pourzia join Prudie to triple-team your problems. My parents are insisting on helping me furnish my grad school apartment, but keep hinting that it’s a financial burden on them. I abandoned the daughter I was forced to have – am I heartless? Help! My husband died in a car accident and all I feel is relief – what does this say about me? How can I get my best friend to be more open with me? And finally: my neighbors’ dog barks all day long – what do I do? Hear more Prudence by joining Slate Plus: Slate.com/Prudiepod. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Writer, commentator and professor Roxane Gay joins Prudie to tackle your problems with online dating, bosses, exes, kids, and more! How do I avoid matching with my students on online dating apps? My boss won’t stop telling me to smile. Help! Should I report the places my ex-husband frequented for sex for human trafficking? I’m in love with a prude – how do I spice up our sex life? And finally: How do I get my kids to be better at saving money? Should I force them to move home? Plus, an update on a past letter! Hear more Prudence by joining Slate Plus: Slate.com/Prudiepod. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Prudence is joined by guest Alyssa Furukawa to get real about what it means to say “I’m on my way.” Then, onto your letters! I’m a pansexual woman married to a cis man – should I still come out to my homophobic family? My in-laws won’t accept my disability and my husband’s not stepping in. Help! I told my tomboy friend she was “unf**kable” in college, but now she’s hot – can I try to date her? How do I make things right when my off-handed comments backfire? Hear more Prudence by joining Slate Plus: Slate.com/Prudiepod. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dear Prudence is joined by BuzzFeed’s Bim Adewunmi to respond to your letters. First up: how do I handle people who tell me I’m not brown enough to be Indian? Then, romance issues: my best friend can’t get over my fiancé’s past and won’t come to our wedding. I told my parents I’m poly and my dad refuses to meet the man my husband and I are dating. And finally: how do I found out if my boss has feelings for me? Hear more Prudence by joining Slate Plus: Slate.com/Prudiepod. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Matt Albrecht and Hannah Malyn of the podcast “Matt and Hannah Know it All” join Prudie to advise on your inquiries. First up: I know I should end my friend-with-benefits relationship, but I don’t want to. How do I cut ties with an emotionally abusive friend? I’m in love with my child’s mother. Help! And lastly: am I supposed to tip every time an iPad asks me to? Hear more Prudence by joining Slate Plus: Slate.com/Prudiepod. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

First up: is a movie franchise trying to gaslight Prudie? Then, onto your letters: I’m a think I’m a pretty progressive mom, but I don’t understand the gender fluidity movement. I asked my friend not to drink with my alcoholic parents and she turned around and told my mom I said they couldn’t hang out. What do I do? My friend told me I was too fat to be in her wedding! And finally: I bought my boyfriend a bidet and now he refuses to buy toilet paper! Hear more Prudence by joining Slate Plus: Slate.com/Prudiepod. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

First up: how Prudie and her ex, Jamie Shuler, bonded over Flowers in the Attic. Then, the two tag team your letters, starting with a workplace matter of misplaced credit. Then, onto sibling strife: My sister lied about her dog dying – should I confront her about it? My sister expects me to watch her kids on our family vacation, which I’m paying for. Help! And, I think I’m in love with my ex-step-brother. What do I do? Hear more Prudence by joining Slate Plus: Slate.com/Prudiepod. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Writer and journalist Laurie Penny joins Prudence today to tackle your family and work quandaries! How can I convince my husband to buck social pressure and stick to being a stay-at-home dad? My apartment building reeks of pot and makes me nauseated – how do I make it stop without getting my neighbor in trouble? My husband keeps inviting his toxic father to visit and then ghosts me. Help! And finally, how do I stand my ground against harassment at work and still get tips? Hear more Prudence by joining Slate Plus: Slate.com/Prudiepod. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.