My wife has left home 3 times

Dear Obaa Yaa,

I am a 40- year-old banker working in a reputable organisation. My wife is a house wife, yet she is engaged in online business.

My wife has left the marriage on three occasion in less than a year of our marriage. The first time she left the marriage was at the bathroom which she accused me of restricting the way she bathed.

She went ahead to remind me that she had a bigger bathroom in her parents’ house.

The second time, she left because I held her lips because she was screaming. I wanted her to be quiet. She went in, packed a few things and went to her mom to complain about near-abuse.

When I went to her house to plead with her to come back, you should have seen the drama.

Yoofi, Takoradi.

Dear Yoofi,

I understand how exhausted and confused you must be, three separations in just a year is not something you should be happy about.

The bathroom incident points to possible controlling behaviour over, but the bigger issue is when you held her lips. That’s a physical abuse, regardless of the provocation. Putting hands on a spouse to silence them, crosses a line and can bring trouble. The cycle of conflict, her leaving, and you pleading to get her back is an unstable loop.

You should stop pleading at her mother’s house; consult a lawyer to understand your legal risk, and get individual counselling to address the situation.