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Wife wonders if separation is permanent

By Amy Dickinson, Tribune Content Agency on

Dear Hurt: Let's assume that your husband is not deliberately putting you and your children through the torture of continually breaking his promise to move back home. Moving the goalposts is exactly what someone with acute anxiety might do.

Should you remain supportive? Ideally yes. Can you remain 100 percent supportive, when his choices have such a high impact on you and the children? Probably not.

I think you should see a therapist -- preferably his therapist, who might be willing to work with both of you regarding mediating this important question. The National Alliance on Mental Health also offers information on family support groups -- these are peer-led groups of people who are affected by a loved-one's mental illness. (Check NAMI.org).

Additionally, you should see a lawyer regarding the wisdom of pursuing a legal separation from your husband. I'm not advocating for a specific course of action, but you should at the very least understand the legal (as well as emotional and financial) impact of this long-term separation on your children, and you should act in their best interests.

Be honest and appropriate with them; understand their confusion and sadness regarding this challenge. You shouldn't blame their dad for being sick, but it's OK to be upset about the illness that has changed all of your lives.

Dear Amy: I have a job where I do not get a lunch hour.

 

I am just shy of the required amount of hours to receive an hour for lunch.

I am entitled to a half-hour, where I eat at my desk while I work.

Every time I start eating, my boss walks by and comments on my lunch. Like, "Wow that looks healthy," or "Gee, cookies?" Or "You must be watching your weight!"

This is more annoying than I can even say.

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