Dear Prudence: The "Timing Is Everything" Edition

Mallory and guest Andrea Silenzi of Slate podcast “Why Oh Why” take on big issues, starting with the weighty question of how long you should wait to move on when someone you’re dating goes missing at sea. Then to your letters: I was ready to forgive my mom for how badly she handled my coming-out, but I just learned she also outed me to my whole family — what now? I set a goal to start a relationship in 2016, and it didn’t happen — what’s next? I’m worried that my son isn’t mine — should I take a paternity test? Finally: Mallory gives Andrea some radical dating advice. And a special note this week: we’ve got a letter concerning someone having suicidal thoughts. If that sounds like you or someone you know, call the National Suicide Prevention Hotline at 1-800-273-8255, or you can chat with them or find resources at https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/. Hear more Prudence by joining Slate Plus: Slate.com/Prudiepod. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices