Through the ringer

Dear Wendyl

oy fiancé has confiscated my engagement ring and told me he’ll return it when I’m more deserving of it. It all happened because I kept leaving the ring on the sink whenever I washed my hands. I would always come back and put it on, but he thinks this shows that I don’t love him enough to look after it, which is crazy. A girl has to wash her hands, and I know that with practice I’ll remember to put it back on each time. How do I get him to stop being so mean?

Frustrated Fiancée, by email

Dear Frustrated Fiancée

I wouldn’t bother trying to get it back. If this is the way he behaves when you forget to put your ring back on, imagine what he’s going to do when you forget to cook him dinner or neglect to have sex with him. I think this is very controlling behaviour and I would run a mile. Simply tell him not to bother returning it as you are not about to embark on a life spent grovelling to his demands. He’ll give the ring back quick smart, but you need to keep an eye out for any more behaviour of this nature. If it continues, I’m not holding much hope for the success of your marriage.