My girlfriend is never satisfied

Dear Pastor,

I have a major problem. I am a 52-year-old divorcee with two grown children. When my now ex-wife and I broke up, my children decided to come and live with me. My ex-wife and I own two houses. I told her that she could stay in one, and she decided to take the one with two bedrooms. I took the three-bedroom house because of the children. I love these children, they are respectful and they love me.

I am so disappointed now in the choice I made by taking on this woman. She is much younger than me. My friends always told me that I was lucky. But, as the saying goes, 'See me and come live with me are two different things.' My two children are in university. This woman thinks that I spend too much money on them, but I told her they are my children and I have a right to spend my money anyhow I want to. She says they are old enough to have men. I don't need for her to tell me that, but the girls are not ready.

Sometimes the girls would come around me and whisper things in my ear just to make me laugh. Sometimes when I am depressed, they know.

My girlfriend is verbally abusive to my children. Sometimes I wonder if she is mentally ill. She has gone through my papers and I am very angry about that. She is working for me. I was advised to fire her, but the girls begged for her. She is never satisfied with what I give her, although I pay her more than what the other women make in the office.

I don't know what I should do. So I am asking you here now for your advice.

C

Dear C.,

Your children will always be your children. If they are respectful to you, regardless of how old they are, you should have them around. I will never suggest that you ask your children to leave your house. If they choose to stay, and if you are financially able to support them, then you should allow them to be there.

This may sound very terrible for me to say, but I will say it nevertheless. You have had a broken marriage. Sometimes in life the second time around is better. Right now it doesn't appear to be true in your case. But brother, stop allowing this woman to put you under stress. I am sure you can find another woman. If this woman continues to try to control you, let her go. End the relationship with her, and do so now.

Pastor