Lady friend wants me to fire my helper

Dear Pastor,

I am a 51-year-old man and I am divorced. I have six children. My former wife and I had three children together. The other children are with different women. I have a good relationship with all my children. I am living alone, but I am having a 'visiting relationship' with a lady friend. I also have a helper who takes care of my house, my meals and my clothes. My lady friend has never been married, but she has suggested that we should get married and I should fire my helper. I find it difficult to do so because my helper is reliable and I trust her. I have never had sex with her. She is living with a man and they get along very well. All my children know her and like her.

When we meet from time to time as a family, she is there with us. She is like a part of the family. My woman friend thinks that it is abnormal for a man to be single and have a girlfriend in his house any time of the day. My helper has her own room. I don't even go close to her room. Do you think that I should dismiss her just to please my lady friend? I do not even want to let my children know that this woman wants me to fire my helper. We all love her, and some of them have grown up in her hands. Please give me your opinion.

M.B.

Dear M.B.,

I suggest that you keep your helper. She has not done anything wrong to cause her dismissal.

Your lady friend should learn to respect this woman who has worked with you for a long time, and all the members of your family have treated her well. Your lady friend is not behaving as if she trusts you, but I ask you to stand your ground and keep your helper.

Pastor