Dear Prudence

Dear Prudence: The “Good Intentions” Edition

What to do when your stepfather tries to “boost your confidence” by telling you how hot you are.

Nancy Ortberg, aka Mallory’s mom, joins us for questions today. How do you talk to a stepdad who tries to boost your confidence by making borderline-creepy remarks about your appearance? How can you stop your parents from complaining to you about their marriage? Plus: Anti-vaxxers, job promotion etiquette, and telling strangers that you don’t need their opinions about your efforts to adopt.

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.