Dear Christine,
My husband and I moved into our own home in 2000. We both wanted children, and our son was born two years later.
Everything was great for us – until we had someone else to care for. My husband was brought up to believe that the wife should stay at home and care for the house and children while he worked and provided for us.
Things got physical soon after our son was born. We would argue and I’d try to leave, only to receive more licks. One time he broke my finger and also tried choking me. He was never violent toward the children – I had a daughter in 2004.
I left for him for good four months ago. I have left many times before but have gone back because of dependency. This time I have a lot of support from my relatives and I am working.
We’re on speaking terms only because of the children. However, I find myself wondering if I should try to reconcile with my husband. I picture a better life. Would it be a slap in the face if, in the end, my husband and I worked out our differences and forgot about the past?
– C.P.
Dear C.P.,
It would be more than a slap in the face. It could be a broken bone, arm or leg. Do you see where I am coming from?
Although your husband “wasn’t violent toward the children”, he exposed them to violence. Nowhere in your letter did you mention that he has any desire to change.
As it is right now, you are making positive strides in the right direction. Keep going forward and refuse to look back.
– CHRISTINE
