All my babymother does is eat and get fat

Dear Pastor,

I am 52 years old and I am having a problem. I used to drive trucks, but I am not driving anymore. When I was driving, I met a young woman, and she would travel with me sometimes. Unfortunately, I got careless, and I got her pregnant. She was 30 years old. She stopped travelling with me, but she would make my lunch so that I would save some money.

I had three children before. Their mothers were not nice, but I tried with the children. One became a teacher, one owned a bar, and the other did not believe in working. My teacher daughter begged me to settle down with this young woman who was pregnant. She was getting married and wanted me to give her away. I could not take my girlfriend with me because she was seven months pregnant. Soon after she had our baby, we got married. But that is one of the biggest mistakes I have made, because she has changed.

Before I got married to her, she would wash, clean and cook. Now, she is saying she is not a helper, and I should pay someone to do these things. All she does is to eat and get fat. I am planning to divorce her, but I want to hear from you first.

M.E.

Dear M.E.,

Your daughter encouraged you to marry this young woman. She did not like the life you were living. Now that this young woman has disappointed you and is demanding so much of you, I think you should talk to your daughter about the problem and have her do a little counselling with your wife.

Now, what I am saying to you is not something I often suggest. I have always insisted that when a couple is having problem, they should try their best to keep family members out of their problem. But, because your daughter knew her well, and wanted to see the both of you married, it might be prudent to get her involved. People can change, but I do believe that your wife has some problems she is not telling you about, and these problems are causing her to act in a very negative way towards you.

Pastor