Dear Diana,
I have been married for the last 16 years and have two children. I work in a private firm and draw a salary of R 10,000 a month. I am a Hindu while my husband is a Muslim. For the last three years, my husband has been ill-treating me. He not only abuses me verbally but also physically, I also work part-time to make more money. He does not like me talking to anyone and has also created a scene at my work place. I asked for a divorce. He is refusing to let me go. What do I do? I can't turn to my in-laws and parents as they were unhappy with our marriage. He does not even provide for our kids.
-u00a0PD

Dear PD,
You have taken his nonsense for too long, so he continues with his high-handedness. Your husband is a typical male chauvinist pig. You married for love, but now things have turned ugly. From the way things appear, it looks like the situation is beyond repair. Have you ever talked to him and asked him why the situation has gone so bad? If he does not want to even engage in a conversation, there is no point sticking on. There is a limit to verbal abuses but if he is physically abusing you, there is no point in continuing with the relationship. Why don't you approach a women's welfare centre for help? Check with your close friends and office folks to help you. It is a tough call but you will have to for mental peace for you and your kids.

My girlfriend wants to take up a job in the Gulf

Dear Diana,
My girlfriend is an ambitious woman. She is keen to take up a job in the Gulf for three to four years to make some money. She has already started applying and doing the paperwork. Should I encourage her? Or flatly tell her a no?
-u00a0Vincent