Inspirational Information

Call To Action


Direct Answers - Column for the week of February 3, 2003

I need some advice, please! I've been married to the same man for 11 years. He's a nice person when he's not drinking. However that isn't very often.

He drinks on a daily basis. Sometimes it's four beers, sometimes it's 12 or more. He drinks alone and then gets verbally abusive. He tells me I could never make it without him. I would have to live in a cardboard box. He calls me names, then tells me he loves me and will never let me leave.

He had a terrible childhood. He was adopted and his dad left his mom for another woman. He hasn't gotten over his anger, but he won't seek any type of help. He denies there is a problem. My husband saves most of the good stuff for me, but he's verbally abusive to our two children as well.

I've been to Al-Anon and talked to counselors. I tried to draw him back into the family, but he keeps pushing us away. I feel it's best to separate from him. Maybe the realization will make him take control. It's sad when your children wake up in the morning and ask, "Is Dad in a better mood, or do we need to be careful?"

Esme

Esme, your kids are living in a crazy, unpredictable environment. Walking on eggshells is affecting their development, and it will damage their future.

Their emotions are cycling between fear, bewilderment, anger and embarrassment. Children raised in this environment often become people pleasers who judge themselves harshly and have a hard time following through on projects. They likely will have difficulty disclosing their feelings to others, and they likely will live with a constant feeling of dread.

You have no power to change your husband's behavior. Only he can change it, and if he ever changes, he will do it for his own sake. Until he is tired of being controlled by anger and alcohol, he will not change.

At present he can be abusive and drunk and still maintain his home and family. He has no incentive to change. There are no consequences for continuing as he is, and there is no reason to assume a separation will make him take control. If he changes, it may be long after you leave.

Your highest duty is to your children. They have done nothing to deserve living in this kind of home. Your next duty is to yourself. You can't live a normal life with this man. There is one more duty. That is the duty your husband owes to himself not to waste his chance at life. But that is a duty only he can fulfill.

Proceed with your decision to leave, and take steps to ensure your safety and that of your children.

Wayne

Sexual Histories

I've been dating a lady for about a week. We really click. A few days ago we were talking about personal problems, and she told me she had herpes.

I am in my 30s and have never met anyone with herpes. I was married for two years, but before I was married I was a virgin and very naïve about sexual things. I don't know if I should avoid sexual contact with her or just walk away.

Manny

Manny, you have a serious decision to make. Unless and until you see this lady as a life partner, avoid sexual contact. Otherwise, if things don't work out, her situation could become your own.

We suggest sitting down with a physician or other health professional to discuss exactly what this can mean for your future. There is no reason to be embarrassed. Simply explain to them what you explained to us.

The reason to go to a medical source first is you will not only get an authoritative answer, but you will have laid the groundwork for future treatment if you decide to proceed.

Tamara

About The Author

Authors and columnists Wayne and Tamara Mitchell can be reached at www.WayneAndTamara.com.

Send letters to: Direct Answers, PO Box 964, Springfield, MO 65801 or email: DirectAnswers@WayneAndTamara.com.


MORE RESOURCES:

Sweet Treats From Sweet Muse Make Perfect Gifts That Delight and ...
MarketWatch - 8 hours ago
Packaged with each brownie is an inspirational message or special quote, which makes each treat incredibly special. Messages can be selected from existing ...


Reader's Digest Honors Inspirational Teacher
PR Web (press release), WA - 15 hours ago
Salome Thomas-EL, an award-winning teacher and principal in Philadelphia, PA, was among nineteen "American Icons" honored for their wisdom, ...


Inspirational journalist bows out
The Australian, Australia - 9 hours ago
Macswan, a former war correspondent, foreign correspondent and associate editor of the national news agency Australian Associated Press, died in Sydney ...


Teen's inspirational story hits home
MayoClinic.com - 20 hours ago
I was preceded in the program by a 17-year-old woman who was inspirational as she shared her story with the audience. At age 13, she was an athletic, ...


Have an inspirational story? We're all ears
Orlando Sentinel, FL - Dec 1, 2008
Do you have an interesting story to tell about your journey to a more active lifestyle? It can be a story about your significant weight loss, your training ...


OUR VIEW: Our teachers, our neighbors, we honor you
SouthCoastToday.com, MA - 17 hours ago
Inspirational teachers not only challenge students to achieve, but instill in them life lessons and the love of learning. To recognize the special place ...
"Teacher of Year" nominations accepted South Coast Today
all 3 news articles


Times Online

Inspirational Ronaldo wins global award
Daily Nation, Kenya - 4 hours ago
By REUTERSPosted Tuesday, December 2 2008 at 18:36 Manchester United and Portugal winger Cristiano Ronaldo was awarded the Ballon d’Or on Tuesday after ...
Why the Ballon D'or is Stupid and Quite Possibly Evil Buzzle
all 809 news articles


Ducks' Reed tops list at team awards
EastOregonian.info (subscription), OR - 11 hours ago
The Ducks' Most Outstanding and Most Inspirational honors are voted on by the Oregon players. Oregon improved its record to 9-3, concluding its regular ...


Duck Awards Banquet
The Oregonian - OregonLive.com, OR - Dec 1, 2008
Sunday night Nick Reed was named team MVP, Jeremiah Johnson was given the Most Inspirational Player Award, and Terence Scott was given the Most Improved ...


Rice calls Obama "inspirational", promises smooth transition
Hindustan Times, India - Nov 6, 2008
US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice has praised president-elect Barack Obama as "inspirational" and promised to do everything to make a smooth transition ...
Video: Rice Congratulates Obama on Victory AssociatedPress
An emotional Condoleezza Rice praises President-elect Obama The Daily Voice
Rice, Powell express pride in Obama win Philadelphia Inquirer
The Times - Sify
all 321 news articles

Inspirational - Google News

home | site map
© 2006