Dear Queenie,
My mother cheated on my father and they got divorced. Now she lives with the boyfriend she cheated on my Dad with and I live with them and visit my Dad whenever he is off from work.
I don’t like the boyfriend. He drinks too much. He’s nice enough when he’s sober, but when he drinks he gets abusive to both of us.
Mom is afraid to break up with him because he supports us and she couldn’t manage financially without him. I would rather live with my father, but then what would happen to Mom without me around?
Queenie, what can I do?—Trapped
Dear Trapped,
You mother’s life choices are her problem, not yours. If your father is willing to have you live with him, go for it!
Meanwhile, try to put your mother in touch with Safe Haven (office tel. 9277, 24-hour hotline 9333) for help in dealing with her abuser.
