Dear Prudence Feeling pretty prickly about it, to be frank! Advice by Enter your email to receive alerts for this author. Sign in or create an account to better manage your email preferences. Unsubscribe from email alerts Are you sure you want to unsubscribe from email alerts for Jenny G. Zhang ? April 23, 2026 6:00 AM Photo illustration by Slate. Photo by Getty Images Plus. Dear Prudence is Slate’s advice column.  Submit questions here . Dear Prudence, I’m dealing with a situation that shouldn’t exist. I have two roommates, “Vera” and “Valerie.” Several days ago, Vera threw away Valerie’s emotional support cactus (yes, you read that right). Valerie was beside herself and is now threatening to move out. We live in a high-cost area where decent housing is scarce, not to mention through the roof. The apartment we live in is in an excellent area, and the only way we can afford it is by pooling our resources.…