‘Money is the problem'

Dear Tita,

I was a career woman when Ronnie married me. I was earning a good salary which enabled me to help my parents send my younger brothers to college. After we got married, Ronnie asked me to stop working as he was earning enough for both of us. I didn't want to stop working as I was used to having my own income, but he was so persistent that I finally agreed.

This is where our problems began. At first, Ronnie was open about the money he was earning and he gave most of it to me so I could budget everything and put the rest in our joint savings account. He said he would only keep enough for his pocket money.

However lately, things have changed. I only knew about it when I saw his best friend Pol at the mall and he mentioned to me that I must be very happy with the big commission Ronnie got recently from a sales he facilitated. I didn't know about it but I didn't show it to Pol. When Ronnie got home that evening I confronted him about his big commission. He tried to deny it but when I told him it was Pol who told me, he admitted everything. I asked him why he never told me and what he did with the money. He said he lent it to a good friend of his from his college days who needed money badly to pay off the mortgage on his house. I tried to ask who this friend was, but he said it was unnecessary as I have never met this guy anyway.

I am not completely satisfied with his answer. I don't really believe he lent it to an old college friend. I suspect it might be another woman. Even the amount he gives me every month is considerably less than what he used to give. I don't want to jump into conclusions but don't you think I could be right about his having a paramour?

SUSPICIOUS

Dear Suspicious,

It certainly is beginning to look very suspicious. First, why didn't he tell you about lending money to his old college friend until you confronted him? And now, he is holding out money that should have been for your monthly budget. Did you notice any change in his habits? Does he come home on time like he used to, or is he often late. Also, has he been extra careful about his appearance and has he been changing his cologne to more expensive ones? Keep your eyes wide open and be very observant. Sooner or later you can catch him at his game. Hopefully, he is not playing around. But if he is, then the ball is in your court. You decide what to do about it.

TITA