
Advice News
The latest advice stories, each synthesized from multiple sources with added background and context.
Featured Advice Stories


Two Dates, One Big Talk: Navigating Where This Is Going
After two dates and sex, a woman receives a message that the guy has paused dating apps and is excited about her, which leaves her unsure since she’s also dated others. The piece advises having a direct conversation about boundaries and what each person wants, rather than avoiding the topic. It suggests that two dates can be enough to discuss where the relationship is headed and whether pausing sex or pursuing exclusivity makes sense for both people.

Dangerous Desires: Setting Boundaries with a Thrill-Seeking Partner
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Toddler Friendships Don’t Have to Be Forever
A reader asks why her toddler and a friend's child, who are very different, seem destined to be BFFs; the adviser notes kids have preferences and can’t be forced into lifelong bonds. Focus on preserving the adults’ friendship independent of the kids, consider fewer or more child-free meetups, and set gentle boundaries while listening to your child’s feelings and choices about playdates.

Say More: Torn between being the do-everything parent and a single parent
An overwhelmed letter writer explains that her partner’s undertreated ADHD and PTSD leave almost all parenting duties to her, prompting a struggle between staying as the do‑everything parent and choosing a single‑parent life.

Milestone Birthday Trip: When Finances Decide Who's Invited
Slate’s Care and Feeding advises that you can’t invite relatives who won’t contribute financially to an expensive milestone trip; either plan a trip within the family’s means or go with just your partner (and possibly your underage son) and celebrate with the rest at home or later.

Confidential Footage Sparks a Family Ethics Dilemma
A public-official who saw confidential school-footage shared what he saw with his sister to warn her, hoping to prevent trouble, but she reacted angrily. Slate’s Michelle Herman argues that confidentiality isn’t optional for professionals, even within family, and that stepping into others’ affairs can backfire. The piece urges reflection before acting, noting that family ties don’t override the obligation to keep private information private, though there may be rare cases where help is possible without breaching confidentiality.

Donor Sperm Dilemma Tests a Marriage’s Plan for Parenthood
A husband learns his wife wants to conceive with donor sperm to avoid passing along his inherited nose, sparking a debate about genetics, eugenics, and trust. The advice columnist cautions that decisions about a child’s genetic makeup are deeply personal and should be made jointly, notes that donor conception can still bring unexpected outcomes, and urges couples to navigate hopes, insecurities, and values together rather than rushing to a drastic solution.

Dad's 'Safe' Pot Experiment Sparks a Family Dilemma
An aunt catches her brother’s 12-year-old and 14-year-old nephews smoking weed at his house; he admits giving them permission, claiming it’s safer to have them do it there where he can supervise. She should first talk with him to understand his reasoning and any underlying issues, address safety and marijuana risks, and avoid informing the nephews’ mother until she has full context, since the situation could affect custody and family trust.

Blaming Others After a Skateboard Scrape — A Parenting Lesson in Responsibility
A parent asks how to handle his wife’s urge to blame the friend who brought over a skateboard after their son Kyle’s minor fall. The columnist says Vanessa isn’t at fault and the focus should be on Kyle’s safety and learning: patch things up, remind him not to take things without asking, and if he wants to skateboard again, consider lessons, kneepads, a helmet, and a flat surface.

When Concern Meets Autonomy: A Sister's Hookup Dilemma
Slate’s How to Do It offers guidance to a sister worried about her sibling’s unprotected hookup and the partner’s creepy behavior. The advisor says to respect Alyssa’s autonomy, avoid pressuring or lecturing, keep lines open for support, and back off the topic to prevent alienation. Offer practical safety steps if she asks (e.g., condoms, STI testing) and seek parental perspective only as needed to inform a compassionate approach.

Dating After Divorce Is Easy—But Reigniting Desire Isn’t
A divorced man reports surprisingly easy dating and casual sex, but persistent libido and erectile issues emerge. The advice column suggests taking a longer break from sex to reset, checking testosterone levels with a healthcare professional for possible replacement, considering PDE5 inhibitors or a cock ring, and, if needed, pursuing counseling or a sex coach to rekindle arousal and reduce performance anxiety.

Coming Out as a Motorcyclist: Balancing Adventure with Family Reactions
A married man in his 30s asks Carolyn Hax’s Say More for advice on how to tell his wife and anxious mother about his new interest in motorcycling, seeking strategies to assert his growing appetite for adventure while navigating concern and acceptance from loved ones.