My parents had sex in my room and now I'm scarred for life.

Get "Dear Prudence" delivered to your inbox each week; click here to sign up. Please send your questions for publication to prudence@slate.com. (Questions may be edited.)

Dear Prudence,
I am 16, and my parents think that it's "cute" and "fun" to have sex in other places in the house besides their bedroom. I'm never home when this occurs, and am mature enough to realize that every couple needs to spice up their life a little now and then. Recently, I found out that my parents had sex on my bed. This was mortifying and horrific for me. Of all the places to do it, they thought it would be interesting to try it on my bed. I haven't even had sex on my bed! They don't see anything wrong with what they've done, but I find it completely disgusting and unnecessary. How can I explain to them that this has scarred me, possibly for the rest of my life?

—Need New Sheets

Dear Need,
Your parents sound as if they think they're starring in an X-rated version of Goldilocks. Since you weren't home when they discovered your bed was "just right," how did you find out? Do they discuss their conjugal adventures over dinner? Or do they make innuendos to each other that you're now old enough to understand? You're right to be disturbed (and it's awful that they've forced you to contemplate the need for sexual variety between middle-aged couples, in particular them). I can't tell from your letter if your parents are just a little bit screwy on this subject and don't realize you know more than they intend, or if they get their jollies from subjecting you to recitations of their intimacy. If it's the former, you must say, "I can't stand hearing references to your sex life, and I need you to stop. I also need you respect the privacy of my bedroom." If it's not the former, or if they don't get it after you talk to them, you have to seek help. Discuss this with a trustworthy relative, a member of your clergy, or a counselor at your school who can intervene on your behalf.

—Prudie

Dear Prudence,
Recently, my girlfriend of six months was using my computer. Later that evening, while looking through some work reports, I discovered that she had viewed some old pictures and letters on my computer that I totally forgot existed. The pictures and letters were from a previous serious romantic relationship, one that I have been very forthright and open about to my current girlfriend. I haven't talked to my ex in years; I forgot I still had these files and the letters and pictures contain nothing illegal or incriminating. However, I feel uncomfortable about my girlfriend finding and viewing them, as they were in a place not easily discoverable, and believe this was an invasion of privacy. I've read your responses to people who have discovered illegal pictures or salacious e-mails to co-workers on a mate's computer. But this is the opposite situation. I want to know if this a big deal, if I should feel uncomfortable about her reading this material, and if I should I discuss with my girlfriend the fact that I know she looked?
—Uncertain

Dear Un,
Yes, this is a big deal; yes, you should feel uncomfortable; and yes, you should tell her you know she snooped. I give a pass to people who innocently look up driving directions on their beloved's computer and their eyes fall upon child pornography or e-mails about co-workers' heaving bosoms. I also believe that probable cause—beloved comes home with lipstick on his collar, or blouses that smell of aftershave—justifies a lap around the laptop (I know, I know—such searches could raise potential legal issues). But your new girlfriend betrayed not only you but herself, revealing her own lack of trust in your relationship. Tell her that after she used your computer, you saw she had entered your long-forgotten file about your previous girlfriend and that she violated your privacy. Then see what she says. She can repair some of the damage by owning up to what she did, apologizing, and promising not to do it again. She might tell you that her previous boyfriend cheated on her, so she's tormented on the subject. That's an excuse but not a justification, and you two must come to an agreement about what's acceptable in this relationship.

—Prudie

Dear Prudie,
I have a dilemma. A guy I knew (but not well) asked me for my résumé, got me hired at the company he works for, and now is basically my supervisor. Along the way, we got to know one another, became close friends, and there is attraction on both sides. We spend every day at work together, and almost every evening. He has told others that he likes and wants to date me but that he's very worried about the work situation. What do I do?

—Wanting Something I Can't Have