Parent advice: After their divorce, my dad bought a flashy car. My mom did something much worse.

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

Dear Prudence,

My parents got divorced in 2024, and they both seem to be dealing with it in unhealthy ways. My siblings and I live out of state, so we tend to find out after.

My dad bought a stereotypical overpriced car and picked up douchey dating habits. Mom announced that she got a boob job. She panned the FaceTime over her sweater, and the new size was eye-popping. It was extremely unexpected in every way. She got it months ago and then kept it secret from us until it healed. I don’t like this for her, and it’s out of character and too much information, too. But she’s an adult, and it’s done. She says she’s recovered fine.

My sisters say it’s a sign that something’s wrong with our mom, and their suggestions ra