WILL HIS DRINKING END OUR MARRIAGE?

Since my husband retired, he has lost interest in taking care of the household budget. I find it hard to juggle money each month to make ends meet. He drinks a lot and I have asked him to cut down to save money and improve his health. His body is beginning to suffer and his GP has warned him of the damage he could do, but he takes no notice. I have thought about leaving him, but why should I give up my home? I am going round in circles and getting nowhere. I suspect your husband is not listening to you because his drinking is out of control. Sadly, when this happens, the person with the problem puts their need for alcohol before the needs of their partner. So, in the end, love often goes out of the window. Try talking to him before he has had a drink and explain that his behaviour is driving you apart, causing money problems and, if it continues, your marriage could end. Ask him to go to Alcoholics Anonymous (0800 917 7650, alcoholicsanonymous.org.uk), and also contact Al-Anon Family Groups (020 7403 0888, al-anonuk.org.uk), which offers support to partners and families of problem-drinkers. If he doesn’t seek help, I fear things will only get worse. Though it’s always hard to lose the family home, maybe you would be happier on your own in a smaller house, with the potential of meeting someone new.