ranjbrown.com

Hey Ranj: My husband doesn't support anything I do anymore. He thinks I am always wrong, no matter what the situation is. He never takes my part in any circumstance. He took the neighbors' part after an argument that led to me calling the police. He told the neighbors that I was wrong to do it. He has made me look like a fool to the whole neighborhood.

He is always telling me what to do. I never get my way -- it is always his way or no way. I am thinking about leaving him, but I have nowhere to go. I have no job and no place to stay. We have a child together, so I have to provide for him, too. Do you think I have grounds to leave, or should I try to work things out? -- Kept Down IN MASSACHUSETTS

Hey Kept Down: Make a list of your husband's bank account numbers, Social Security number, driver's license number and his assets. Get a job and start banking your wages in your name only. Then offer your husband the option of marriage counseling.

If he refuses, point out that it would be cheaper for him than alimony. If he still refuses, please try to figure out why you have tolerated living with someone like him for so long in the first place.

And by the way, your hubby is required by pay child support. An attorney can advise you about whether you have "grounds" to end the marriage. No matter what stay firm and stand strong; in the eyes of the court, the woman usually has the upper hand in marrital disputes.