How can I support my daughter and son-in-law through divorce?

Q

My son-in-law has always been a practical joker and we’ve never been happy about it. My daughter has often reassured me he means no harm so we’ve kept out of it. I noticed they were not getting on lately and offered my support to her. Today he rang me and demanded I ‘talk some sense into her’. Apparently after his latest trick, which he refused to divulge, she’s thrown him out and says she’s been in touch with a solicitor about divorce. What should I do?

SUZIE SAYS

A

Offer her your full support, again. Practical joker is one of those phrases, like the word banter, that is a euphemism – often for bullying, cruelty and coercion. It allows the perpetrator to do the most awful things then put the blame on the victim, for not being able ‘to take a joke’. Tell her you’re on her side, that you’ve had reservations about his behaviour that could become or has already become dangerous. Talk sense into her indeed – that her moving out and away from him is the right one.