Please send your questions for publication to prudence@slate.com.

Dear Prudie,

Here's the scoop. Our female boss (she's in her 40s like the 15 guys and gals who work for her) is installing a new, rather large hot tub at her and her husband's secluded home. All 15 of us have been invited to a picnic/hot tub grand opening party, to use her words. She said, "Of course, nobody will be wearing suits, so don't bother bringing them." We feel pressured to attend and partake in the nude socializing in and outside the tub. Some of us are completely comfortable, others are less sure. Your thoughts?

--Wondering

Dear Won,

Do not naked into that hot tub go. Your boss must have oatmeal cookies for brains as well as a complete lack of judgment.

It sounds to Prudie as though you are not the only one feeling uncomfortable with the birthday-suit event. Luckily, you have options.You and the crew from the office can all agree to bring suits--and so inform Nature Girl. If you're not all in agreement, which may be the case because you say, "Some of us are completely comfortable," then you can decline ... either with an explanation or without one. If you totally chicken out about stating your reservations, there is always the 24-hour flu.

Prudie assures you there is no need to feel "pressured." There can be no retaliation for employees who choose not to socialize in the altogether with their co-workers. As Prudie's aunt used to say, "The very idea."

--Prudie, resolutely

Dear Prudie,