Dear Blake,
My husband, “Daryl,” gets furious every time I talk to my ex, my two oldest kids’ father. The only thing we discuss is my kids’ issues, but Daryl loses it completely. He starts calling me names and says I don’t respect him even though I do. I keep assuring him that there’s nothing inappropriate being talked about (he is present during all the conversations since we talk over the phone and live in different states).
I don’t know what to do anymore. My kids are 14- and 13-year-old girls, who are going through all these crazy teenage issues, which obviously, as their parents, my ex and I have to sometimes talk about, and it’s not even that many calls. I’m wondering if this is normal because I’ve only been in two relationships in my life. I’m 33, and I feel like a goofball for not knowing what to do.
Signed, Lanette
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
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Dear Lanette,
Your current husband is being very unreasonable with his jealous rants. If he has a problem with you making that call, then you should act like you have a problem with all of his calls, no matter who he is contacting or why. Such as… Tell him no calling out making doctor’s appointments. If he has to go to the hospital for an emergency then he should go, but all of his other other illnesses has to heal on their own, and the only one he can make in that regard, is for his own funeral arrangements. Another one is, he can’t call his boss or his job for any reason. Follow that up by reminding him how stupid he is, and when he doesn’t show up for work, he’s so worthless, no one notices or cares. Tell him he can’t call his parents, because they don’t want to hear from him, and they are still very ecstatic about him finally moving out of their house, and unloading him on you. And finally, tell him you don’t want him calling 911 even if the house is on fire. But you’ll consider calling the fire department as you drive away with all of your most valued possessions, as he runs out of the house, trying to figure out why you soaked him with gasoline before you sped away. I hope this helps.
Blake