In the first installment of a summer advice series, Jenée Desmond-Harris, writer and host of Slate's Dear Prudence podcast and column, and Brian offer advice to listeners struggling with a dilemma, and callers weigh in with their opinions.

First Letter:

Dear Prudence (and Brian): I live in a 'luxury' high rise condo in Brooklyn. A few of our neighbors are in the habit of storing various items in our common hallway, ranging from doormats to stacks of empty water cooler jugs to baby strollers. (including one 2 feet from my door) Beyond the fact that they’re unsightly, they represent a violation of NYC's fire code. Not wanting to offend people we see on a daily basis, we notified building management and they have sent a few email reminders to residents, but to no avail. Should I accept this as a fact of life in a building that is not a co-op and therefore lacks a share-holders’ board of rule enforcers or should I somehow escalate my concerns?

Second Letter: 

Dear Prudence (and Brian): Michael, a friend of mine for over 35 years, is now 67 years old. A shift is taking place: Michael does not have personal conversations with me anymore, instead he speaks to me as if giving a lecture. Loud, forceful diatribes about politics, money, relationships…. He is the EXPERT on all things now. This tendency is relatively new, and I have witnessed this shift gradually over the last few years (especially about politics – and we are both progressive liberals). I want to be supportive of Paul, but I find myself getting sucked into his rants, and these turn into arguments between us, usually over obscure and meaningless facts. Some background: Each of us are now experiencing age-based health issues, along with family stuff like aging parents. I’ve witnessed that he goes on automatic overdrive ramping up any simple talk into an argument. And now I'm avoiding speaking with him about anything. How do I shift these conversations into meaningful personal and heartfelt talks about each of our lives, instead of these 'fact' arguments? We have had so many great supportive conversations over these many years, and I miss them. How do I kindly head off his rants at the pass?