Dear Deidre – “Problem page”

I bet she’s a flirt!
I am going mad with jealousy about my wife’s new boss and it is eating me up. I’m 32, my wife is 30 and we have two kids who are aged nine and five.

She works at the local bookies where most of the customers are guys. I’ve always been jealous but managed to control it, even though she tells me about the friendly banter with customers and how some of them have asked her out. But a new male manager started work there recently.

He’s six years younger than her and she’s always telling me about the jokes they have together before opening up. It’s driving me nuts and I’ve started to accuse her of all sorts of things. I know I’ll lose her if I don’t stop, but I just can’t.
Signed: Miserable of Manchester

Deidre Says: Unreasonable jealousy does destroy relationships but your wife knows full well that her telling you about all the joking that goes on winds you up.

She probably finds it reassuring to know you care so much, but tell her you don’t need to know every detail about her day.

If you then find you are imagining even worse things, you will know that the problem really is yours.

In that case my free leaflet ‘Are You Jealous?’ will help you get a grip.

Useful words & expressions:

A flirt – someone who encourages sexual approaches.
Eating me up - I feel so jealous that I can’t think of anything else.
Bookies - a betting shop (like the Jockey Club).
Friendly banter - joking and teasing – common in work situations.
Asked her out - wanted to take her “on a date”.
Opening up - opening the betting shop each day.
Knows full well - understands completely the situation.
Winds you up - really makes you angry.
Help you get a grip - help you to maintain control of your emotions.