DEAR ABBY: I have wanted to write you for some time and never had the courage, but now I really need some advice, so here goes:
I married "Wyatt" five years ago. I have two children from a previous marriage, a 20-year-old (not living at home) and a 17-year-old son who has just left because of my husband. I love my children dearly, and I did love Wyatt. But every hurtful, spiteful, mean thing he has said to them has slowly chipped away at any feelings that I had for him.
Abby, I want to leave my husband and get an apartment for myself and my son. How do I do it? How do I tell him I want out without starting a war? -- NEEDS ANSWERS IN SOUTH CAROLINA
DEAR NEEDS: Because your husband is hurtful, spiteful and mean, you will need to protect yourself before telling him the marriage is over. Prepare an escape plan in advance. You will need money, any financial information you can gather and the help of an attorney. And contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline -- (800) 799-7233 -- for guidance on how to safely make your exit.