Dear Prudence

Dear Prudence: The “Talk About It Now” Edition

The great lie that is “he doesn’t really mean it.”

Mallory and her sister, writer Laura Turner, bring some family wisdom to this week’s show. Is it OK to share cigarettes with your 18-year-old daughter? Can you ask your family to please stop texting you when your relatives die? What should you do when your family expects you to take in five young children—indefinitely?

Also in this episode: That friend who’s always been your creative companion, who suddenly won’t acknowledge your success. Some reflections on the bullies of Stranger Things. The great lie that is “he doesn’t really mean it.”

Listen now:

Access to the full Dear Prudence podcast is available exclusively to Slate Plus members. Learn more and listen to previous episodes at Slate.com/PrudiePod.

Got a question for Prudie? Send it to prudence@slate.com. Or leave a voice mail message at 401-371-DEAR (3327), and you may hear your question answered on a future episode of the show.

Read Prudie’s Slate columns here. Follow Mallory on Twitter. Production by Casey Miner.