Jeanne PhillipsDEAR ABBY: I will soon be married 48 years, but it is not much of a marriage. There is no sex, no touching, no kind and compassionate words, only bickering and arguing. I can’t figure out why I’m still here. I have thought about leaving many times.
I have written three books, and because of it, my husband has ridiculed me. I have also owned and operated two businesses. I’m active in the community, which he resents. He is an introvert, while I am an extrovert. He no longer accompanies me to activities, but when he did, he would make snide remarks to people who stopped to chat with us. So I no longer invite him. Help me, please! – SAD, LONELY WIFE
DEAR WIFE: I will try. If you are asking my permission to divorce your husband, I can’t give it to you. Instead, I suggest you ask yourself why you have tolerated such a lonely marriage for 48 years and what you feel you would have to gain by leaving. As an intelligent woman, once you answer that, I think you will know what to do.
DEAR ABBY: I am a mother of two. I share 50 percent custody of my children with their father. My children also have two stepparents.
How involved in decision-making should the stepparents be? I value their opinions, but I think I know what is best for my children. Their stepmother isn’t particularly involved in their activities or pickups and drop-offs, but never hesitates to interject her opinions about what I should do with their time. It causes communication problems between their father and me. I don’t want to be rude to her. Where does the line need to be drawn? – MOMMA KNOWS BEST