A reader writes to Dear Prudence about feeling uneasy with how their wife has been handling the recent death of her mother. The wife often shares details about her grief, saying things like, "My mom died" and "the last couple of years have sucked." While these statements reflect her emotional state, the reader finds them uncomfortable and worries they might be harmful. They are unsure whether they should address the behavior and if it will eventually pass. Prudie, the advice columnist, acknowledges the wife’s honesty but suggests that if the reader feels the behavior is inappropriate or concerning, they should express their feelings with empathy and focus on offering support rather than criticism. Another reader, known as Buddy the Elf, is trying to adjust their Christmas gift-giving tradition due to a smaller space in their new apartment. They used to host a white-elephant gift exchange, where guests bring wrapped gifts and take turns swapping them for better ones. Now, they’re considering turning it into an all-day event with food and drinks but are unsure how to replace the white-elephant game. Prudie offers several alternatives, including a rolling white-elephant exchange that allows for more flexibility, a Polaroid photo station, cookie decorating, or a fun candy guessing game that can be played in groups. A third reader, called Worried Student, is anxious that their mother thinks they are using friends of color to boost their college application. The student tutors friends in various subjects and mentions this experience in their personal statement. Prudie advises the student to focus on the value of the tutoring experience itself rather than specifying the racial identities or financial situations of their friends. She also suggests that the mother’s concerns might stem from her own perspective rather than the student’s intentions, and encourages open communication to address any misunderstandings. Each of these readers faces unique challenges in their personal lives, but Prudie’s advice emphasizes empathy, communication, and thoughtful reflection to navigate difficult situations. Whether dealing with grief, adjusting traditions, or managing family expectations, the goal is to find a balance that respects everyone involved.