Husband is jealous, abusive

Dear Annie:

I am a young married woman. My husband, let's call him "Pete," is very possessive and jealous. He also has an anger problem. Anytime I go to the store, he wants to know exactly what store I am going to, who I'm going with, when I am going to be home, etc.

Pete was like this a little bit before we married, but since we said "I do," it has gotten to the point where he will check my underwear to make sure I have returned home in the same pair. Does he expect me to buy new ones every time I go out? Once, he was really drunk and got physical. It took me a while to forgive him for that, but I will never forget it. I fight with him constantly and we argue over everything. I don't want to file for divorce, but that seems like my only choice. Any advice for a woman in need? － Frustrated in the Farmland

Dear Frustrated:

Pete is showing signs of an abuser. He is controlling, suspicious and angry, and he is willing to hurt you. This type of behavior often becomes worse over time. Please don't wait until Pete lands you in the hospital. Call the National Domestic Violence Hotline and ask for help.

jealous (adj.) 妒忌的；猜忌的

abusive (adj.) 虐待的；有暴力倾向的

possessive (adj.) 佔有慾的；有佔有慾的

exactly (adv.) 正确地；精确地

to get to the point 到了…地步；演变成…情况

to get physical 粗暴；动手动脚

to file for 提出；申请

suspicious (adj.) 多疑的；猜疑的

domestic violence 家庭暴力

hotline (n.) （电话）热线