Dear James
James Parker tackles reader’s existential worries: what’s ailing, torturing, or nagging you.
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Illustration by Miguel Porlan Dear James: I Love Going Naked on the Beach
But I’m experiencing Catholic guilt.
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Illustration by Miguel Porlan Dear James: I’m Not Very Punk Rock
But I am quite convinced of the cruel pointlessness of existence. (Is this any way to live?)
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Illustration by Miguel Porlan Dear James: I Miss Playing the Banjo
But I also have to make a living. Is there a way to balance both?
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Illustration by Miguel Porlan Dear James: Must the Haters Hate?
The world has way too many of them.
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Illustration by Miguel Porlan Dear James: I Have Debilitating Stage Fright
How to overcome my panic?
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Illustration by Miguel Porlan Dear James: When My Husband Speaks, My Brain Turns to Mush
Is this a normal marriage thing?
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Illustration by Miguel Porlan Dear James: A Riddle About Reading
Even when I love a book, I want it to end. Why?
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Illustration by Miguel Porlan Dear James: Never Too Old for a Barbaric Yawp
A tip of the hat to our well-seasoned correspondents
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Illustration by Miguel Porlan Dear James: I’m Dreading My Family Vacation
I want to enjoy the time with my relatives, but they trigger me.
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Illustration by Miguel Porlan Dear James: I Can’t Stop Thinking About Death
Is this just a midlife crisis?
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Illustration by Miguel Porlan Dear James: Make the Whistling Stop
My husband’s ceaseless noises are driving me mad.
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Illustration by Miguel Porlan Dear James: Is This Sexless Marriage Over?
My best friend’s husband refuses to touch her.
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Illustration by Miguel Porlan Dear James: I Miss Being on Dating Apps
I’ve hit the relationship jackpot. But now I have romance FOMO.
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Illustration by Miguel Porlan Dear James: I Hate Playing With My Children
And I’m riddled with mom guilt.
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Illustration by Miguel Porlan Dear James: My Husband Is a Mess
It’s gotten so bad, I’m considering leaving him.
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Illustration by Miguel Porlan Dear James: What If Life’s Problems Are Alcohol’s Fault?
I, for one, have felt the benefits of cutting back.
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Illustration by Miguel Porlan Should I Leave My American Partner?
I love him, but I don’t know if I can live in the U.S. forever.
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Illustration by Miguel Porlan My Friend’s Instagram Account Has Taken a Dark Turn
I want to reach out, but I’m not sure how.
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Illustration by Miguel Porlan Oh, How the Men Drone On
My male friends love to talk at me—but not with me.
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Illustration by Miguel Porlan My Sad, Sad Friend Talks Only About Herself
I want to be there for her. But it’s exhausting.
