DEAR ABBY: My husband and I have been married for 38 years. We divorced once, but remarried. We have four grown sons and six grandchildren.
He retired a year and a half ago, and I went through menopause. There has been constant contention since. He wants to fight over everything and won't speak to me for days, sometimes weeks, at a time. I feel I am being emotionally abused. When I asked him for another divorce, he told me not to be ridiculous.
Four months ago, I moved out and moved in with my dad to be his caretaker. Dad is 95 and on home hospice.
I am so much happier not living with my husband. When my father passes away, I dread having to move back with my husband. I know we probably need counseling, but he doesn't agree.
I want to live a happy, peaceful life. My husband seems to enjoy the constant fighting. Should I get my own place and live apart from my husband when my dad passes? -- UNHAPPILY MARRIED IN UTAH
DEAR UNHAPPILY MARRIED: Your husband's silent treatment qualifies as emotional abuse. You do not have to tolerate it. Before making plans about where you will live after your father's passing, discuss this with a lawyer. Marriage isn't slavery, and you do not need your abuser's "permission" to divorce him (again).