Dear Abby: A few years ago, my husband, unhappy with his job, decided he wanted to be a real estate agent. He quit his job to do real estate full time, and really struggled. The company he joined offered little training, and he had no office skills. The dramatic drop in our income nearly bankrupted us. He also told me to get a license to help (I have a great office job).
I didn’t want to at first because I knew I would end up with almost all the work, but I did it anyway.
Shortly after I obtained my license, he was offered a position at his previous company. It was a blessing, and he took it. I am selling real estate in addition to my job and am having great success. I believe this is due to my 20 years of office management experience and social media skills. Although I am an introvert, I am a hard worker, and my business is growing. People look for me
Abby, my husband is jealous. When I sell a house, he gets upset, depressed or argues at times. He hates going to business dinners or trainings with our company, and if I go without him, he barely talks to me the next day. Sometimes he gets excited and talks about what he needs to sell some houses. When he does, I encourage him and talk about how great he is at working with people, but ultimately he does nothing to make it happen.
I really enjoy real estate. I love getting out and showing houses and networking with other agents, and the extra income has really helped. I do not know what to do. – paying the price of success
Dear Pay: Your husband might be jealous because you’ve beaten him to his (daytime) dream job. Or, maybe he’s punishing you out of fear that you’re being so successful that you want your independence. Keep going and don’t let his behavior get you down. What you have described is not healthy for the future of your marriage. I hope that a licensed marriage and family therapist can help you navigate through this rough patch. Please don’t close it. Without consultation, the status quo is unlikely to change.
Dear AB: I have a friend who doesn’t drive and constantly asks me to drive instead. I do this as a good friend. When I take her to an event, we agree on a time we’ll leave, but she definitely stays behind for 30 or 45 minutes to chat with other people, at which time we had agreed. Also, she never pays anything for fuel. I think he’s being thoughtless, and I’m thinking of telling him that he’ll need to find his own ride. Am I wrong for this? – Its over in New Jersey
About it dear: No, you’re not wrong, but the next time it happens, try this: Tell your good friend you’re leaving the show at a specific time and if she’d like to stick around and chat If she wants, she should get another ride home. In this case you will not have any problem.
Dear Abby is written by Abigail Van Buren, also known as Jeanne Phillips, and was founded by her mother, Pauline Phillips. contact dear abby www.DearAbby.com or PO Box 69440, Los Angeles, CA 90069.
