Dear Prudence

Advice, commentary, and conversation from Daniel Mallory Ortberg.

About the Show

Whether it’s a challenge with a lover, a fight with a difficult roommate or boss, or you just like to hear about the challenges other people face, Dear Prudence is the podcast for you. Every week, Prudie and special guests answer questions about relationships, sex, work, family, and life.

Host

Daniel Mallory Ortberg, Slate’s Dear Prudence, is co-founder of the Toast and the author of Texts From Jane Eyre and The Merry Spinster.

The “Pepper Spray Shame” Edition

Years ago, I pepper-sprayed a stranger out of fear for my safety. Now I think I overreacted and feel terribly. Help!

The “Coming-Out Quandary” Edition

How do I come out to my parents and not also out my identical twin? Help!

The “Too Handsome Fiancé” Edition

My daughter’s beau is too good-looking. I’m suspicious. Help!

The “DNA Drama” Edition

I got my husband an ancestry kit for his birthday. It turns out we’re first cousins. Help!

The “Lovesick” Edition

My wife avoids me whenever I have a cold. I just wish she’d rub my back and stroke my hair. Help!

The “Alive & Juicy” Edition

I’m happily married, but I suddenly have a big, stupid crush on a colleague. Does this say something about the state of my marriage? Help!

Dear Prudence: The “Sex Sabbatical” Edition

My wife and I barely have sex anymore. How do we save our marriage? Help!

Dear Prudence: The “Permanent Closet” Edition

I know my family will never accept that I am a lesbian. Am I disrespecting the queer community if I choose to stay in the closet forever? Help!

Dear Prudence: The “Wedding Day Drunk” Edition

I don’t frequently drink, but I got too tipsy at my daughter’s wedding and said things I now regret. Help!

Dear Prudence: The “Still Always Suspicious” Edition

My husband finally admitted he’s a sex addict, but I still don’t trust him. Help!

Dear Prudence: The “I Framed My Sister” Edition

I secretly framed my stepsister and got her sent away when we were young. Now I regret it. Help!

Dear Prudence: The “But We Had a Deal!” Edition

My husband and I agreed I could quit my job after he had three years to figure out his own career. Now he says he “deserves more time.” Help!

Dear Prudence: The “Perfectly Fine, Healthy, and Natural” Edition

My husband of 10 years thinks masturbating is a sin and akin to infidelity. Help!

Dear Prudence: The “Couch Sleepers Anonymous” Edition

I hate hosting out-of-town guests. My husband thinks I’m rude. Help!

Dear Prudence: The “So Many Moms” Edition

I’m paying for my own lavish wedding. My mother thinks I’m being fiscally irresponsible. Help!

Dear Prudence: The “Trash-Talking Twin” Edition

My snobby sister thinks I’m doing life wrong, and telling everyone who will listen. Help!

Dear Prudence: The “Opinionated Play Date” Edition

Should I keep taking my kid to play dates with a racist mom? Help!

Dear Prudence: The “Throuple Trouble” Edition

My girlfriend and I want to be monogamous again. How do we dump our third? Help!

Dear Prudence: The “Good Night, Seattle” Edition

My sister thinks she’s a genius because of an online quiz. Help!

Dear Prudence: The “Friend, Not Therapist” Edition

My friend makes me listen to her problems, but she never listens to mine. Help!