Husband’s son threatened me

Dear Pastor,

This is the first time I am writing to you, but I do need your help and advice.

I am married and my husband is 42 years old. I am 31. My husband has a son, but we do not have children together. My husband and I used to get along well until his son came to live with us. His son is very disrespectful. He uses expletives to his father and tells me whatever he wants to tell me without any respect.

Recently, I told him to wash the dishes when he is finished eating. He said that he was not going to do so. When his father came home, I told him that his son refused to do the dishes, so he called him and told him, in my presence, that unless he is prepared to listen to me and have respect for me, he should walk. The young man told him that he has plans to walk because he will not listen to me. I am not his mother and he is not happy living here. My husband got in a rage and used some expletives and the guy went toe to toe with him. My husband drew a cutlass and went after him, but he ran out of the house. While he was out in the yard, he was threatening me. I told my husband that I did not want to remain here, but he said the house is his and his son can't chase me out of it.

Pastor, we believe that his mother is behind this. She wanted his father to marry her and she has not got over it. Nobody has ever described me the way this young man described me. He called my private parts 'long tongue'. I am an educated woman. His father is also an educated man. We should not be going through these kinds of threats but I don't want his father to get into any trouble.

W.A.

Dear W.A.,

This young man should not be living in your house. He is a recipe for disaster. He does not respect you or his father.

Regardless what his mother has told him, he is old enough to draw conclusions for himself. You should report his threats to the police. You need to keep on your guard, so to speak. But don't be afraid of him. Be on the alert. Your husband should always make sure that you are not alone when you are home.

It was your husband's decision to marry you. You didn't have anything to do with that. Now take good care of yourself, and please report this young man's threat to the police.

Pastor