Dear Prudence

Here she goes again.

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Nov 02, 2026 6:00 AM

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Dear Prudence is Slate’s advice column. Submit questions here .

Dear Prudence,

My wife and I have recently retired and now frequently attend social gatherings for drinks and snacks. This has never been my favorite activity, but I attend willingly and attempt to engage in the inevitable small talk, but I usually end up sitting there mostly silent and bored.…