DEAR ABBY: I have been married 17 years. Over the past 13 of them, my husband, "Sam," has had 15 different jobs, and he's currently unemployed again. Every time we almost dig our way out of debt, he picks a fight with management.
In 2004, Sam had four jobs in one year. I have no more nest egg left. Our credit score is a shambles.
Sam's biggest concern has always been his golf game. We have a 15-year-old son and a 13-year-old daughter. They are hurt and embarrassed by our financial condition. I have a good job, but I have a heart condition that could disable me at any time.
Why on earth would a 41-year-old man not care about his family enough to make a living for them? Should I leave Sam to prove a point? Every time I try to leave, he threatens suicide. -- RUNNING IN CIRCLES IN ARIZONA
DEAR RUNNING IN CIRCLES: Since I don't know your husband, I can't offer an explanation regarding why he started his golfing holiday instead of continuing to work -- right at the time your children started arriving. Should you leave him? I think so, because the stress of supporting three "children" could explain the reason for your heart condition. As to his threats of suicide, they are classic examples of emotional blackmail. I'm sure if you go -- if only for a while -- you'll be amazed at the strength of his survival instinct once he's off the gravy train.