Protect family from father’s severe bullying

Q - My husband of 23 years has always been stern, but never physically abusive.

He’s also very smart, wellspoken, and loves to brag about his children’s smarts and abilities (daughter, 20 and son, 16).

But his issues with our son, building over five years, have now reached a crisis.

He’s controlling, using putdowns and bullying plus his size, to scare my son who decided to not play football.

His father’s in a rage and has texted mean and hateful things to him.

He’ll give us both the silent treatment if I decide anything related to our son without discussing with him. It’s his way or the highway.

It causes us distress and anxiety and created an unhealthy dynamic between the three of us. Any breaking of his perceived rules means, to him, that he’s disrespected.

His anger issues started to escalate 10 years ago over a family/business matter. He’s stopped speaking with seven family members due to perceived slights.

I’m concerned that he’ll do the same to us if I ask for a temporary separation.

I also worry that if things worsen, it’ll set up a bad adult relationship with his son.

I saw a counsellor (one visit) but haven’t told him yet, worried it’ll make matters worse. I want to stand up for my son.

Feeling Lost man’s anger about his “sexless marriage” (June 7):

Reader - “I considered the arithmetic involved between the couple.

“A woman managing a family of three children, plus two parents, would be required to do cooking for five and possible school lunches, cleaning of dishes, floors, furniture, shopping for food, clothing, etc.

“Add minor maintenance, clothing repairs, possible gardening chores, helping with homework, and likely also working ñ thus also needing to maintain/upgrade job skills. She might also have work tasks to do at home.

“Finances will be needed for future studies after high school for three children.

“I’m wondering about her age and whether menopause might also be a factor in her ‘shutting down’ sex.

“Yet she evidently wanted to lie together with husband - a very low-energy activity. During their initial affair, her energy was higher.

“She wouldn’t then have been involved with heavy domestic chores/household-related tasks. We don’t know the husband’s contribution to the household and family maintenance. This woman may simply be almost burned out.”