Every day we feature the beloved “Strawberry Letter” franchise that is so popular on “The Steve Harvey Morning Show,” heard nationwide. Send in your letters and Shirley Strawberry will dish out the necessary advice. Today’s topic: Married to a tyrant Dear Steve and morning crew, I reconnected with a man whom I had known and had a crush on since I was a teenager. We dated for a few months before he moved in with me and my two children. We married after one year and I thought that this would be my “happily ever after.” But my children hate this guy and I really can’t blame them. He is a control freak. He is completely devoid of emotion, except anger and disappointment. He is always on board when it comes to disciplining the kids, but when it comes to going out to dinner or doing anything as a family, he removes himself. He is constantly yelling at them and barking orders, but never does he take them out for ice cream or anything like that. Steve, on this issue, I would like your take. I fear that my marriage is in jeopardy because I cannot continue to let this man make my children miserable. I thought that he would warm up to them and they to him eventually, but to date, the kids hate him more than ever and my teenage son is talking about kicking his butt if he steps to him again. What should I do….I did talk to him and he says he does not care if he is the bad guy or if they hate him. He says “it is not about them liking him, but about them doing what they are supposed to do.” I keep trying to explain to him that there must be a balance. Please help. I am about to give up on this marriage for the sake of my children! They must come first!
- “Strawberry Letters” are letters sent from fans of the “Steve Harvey Morning Show” and therefore do not express the sentiments of ESSENCE Magazine or ESSENCE.com. As these are fan letters, we have left them as close to their original form as possible.