DEAR ABBY: My husband has always been a little bit controlling, but he has never mentally or physically abused me before. We have a relationship that works for us.
I was raised in the South to believe that the woman stays home and cooks and cleans. I enjoy being his "li'l woman." I am pregnant with our second child.
The problem is, my husband is starting to drink more and more. When he drinks, he becomes angry. The other night while he was drinking, he hit me for the first time. He apologized the next day, but I am now scared of what he might do the next time he drinks. I have suggested counseling. He says he will think about it. -- WORRIED IN ROCHESTER, MINN.
DEAR WORRIED: Your husband's drinking has reached the point where it's time the both of you admitted he has a serious problem. For a man to hit a woman is a disgusting sign of weakness; for a husband to hit his pregnant wife is beyond the pale. If you do not draw the line now, your husband could seriously injure you and/or the baby when (not "if") he does it again.
Tell him that the first time he hit you was also the last, and if the marriage is to continue, he must get help for his drinking immediately -- not just "think about it." And while you're at it, inform him that the next time he raises a hand to you, you will call the police and have him thrown in jail. If you fail to act now, this is only the beginning of your problems.