DEAR ABBY: My wife verbally abuses me constantly. We have an 11-month-old child, which is the only reason I tolerate it. While I try hard not to curse back, once in a while I end up doing so.
I have sought professional help to cope with her behavior, but the suggestions haven't helped much. The situation is becoming unbearable, and I don't see it changing any time soon. What should I do? -- UNBEARABLE IN VIRGINIA
DEAR UNBEARABLE: The suggestions haven't helped because you weren't the person who needed the professional help; your wife does. In a moment when she is calm, tell her that as much as you care about her and your child, you do not intend to spend the rest of your life being her verbal whipping boy, and if she doesn't get help for her anger issues, you will leave. If she refuses, you should follow through and make sure you get equal custody, if not more, because her volatility could be harmful to your child.