Dear Prudence | Advice On Relationships, Sex, Work, Family, And Life

The great lie that is, “they don’t really mean it.” Mallory and her sister, writer Laura Turner, bring some family wisdom to this week’s show. First: is it alright to ask your family to stop texting you the news of relatives’ deaths? What about when your family expects you to take in five young children — indefinitely? Then: how do you talk to a friend who’s always been your creative companion, but suddenly won’t acknowledge your success? Plus: the ethics of sharing cigarettes with your 18-year-old daughter, and — spoiler alert, Mallory loves spoilers — some reflections on the bullies of Stranger Things. Hear more Prudence by joining Slate Plus: Slate.com/Prudiepod. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices