Dear Ruthie,
My husband and I have been married for 23 years. It hasn’t always been easy financially, and I’ve held as many as three jobs at once to help us make ends meet, raise our children, make monthly payments to his ex-wife, pay off his student loans and launch our family business.
I’ve never really complained, and to be honest, I’ve reaped the benefits of our hard work. He did promise that when I turned 51 I could retire. I turn 51 this year, but now he’s changing his mind and says I need to keep my full-time job.
Why? Our home is paid off, we have no debt, our kids are out of the house and he makes enough to support us both. He says I’m not being reasonable when I tell him that I want to quit working. If I don’t quit, I’m not sure I’ll be able to take my job much longer. Any ideas? There have been many arguments about this I want them to stop.
Help! Hard-Working Rose
Dear Rosie,
Congrats for being a great wife, a hard worker and a woman who understands what it means to provide for her family. You and your hubby made a plan and you stuck to it. Now it’s time to see that plan out. Remind your husband that you both created this plan and it worked. This doesn’t mean it’s time to change the plan. Nope. No way, Jose. You’re quitting your job and that’s that.
If he’s hung up on finances, I’d suggest you both see a financial advisor to be sure you won’t be in in the red. You should also ask about retiring early versus simply taking a break from work or taking a small part-time job. That said, tell you hubby that a deal’s a deal and move on to the next chapter of your life, honey pie. After all, happy wife, happy life!
Ruthie’s Social Calendar
Feb. 22: Bianca Del Rio at Turner Hall Ballroom (1040 N. Fourth St.): One of RuPaul’s greatest funny ladies brings her sharp-tongued hilarity and quick wit to Cream City with the “Blame It on Bianca” one-woman show. Tickets to the 8 p.m. comedy concert are $42.50 and can be found at pabsttheater.org.
Feb. 22: Funny Ladies Take Over at D.I.X. (739 S. First St.): As if Bianca Del Rio isn’t offering up enough laughs, the kooky girls at D.I.X. promise to yank your funny bone a bit more. Take in a drag show of funny songs, parodies and the like right after Bianca Del Rio’s concert (see above).
Feb. 23: Eddie’s Birthday Bash at Harbor Room (177 E. Greenfield Ave.): Celebrate Friday with a happy hour, honoring one of the city’s favorite bar owners. Wish Eddie Carver a happy B-day during this 3-7 p.m. bash that includes free beer (while it lasts), munchies, cake and more.
Feb. 23: ‘Sing Out’ at the Milwaukee LGBT Community Center (1110 N. Market St.): Would it kill ya to get a little culture? Heck, no! So, head over to the Community Center for a 7-9 p.m. night of opera. Presented by the Florentine Opera Baumgartner Studio Artists, the concert is open to all with donations appreciated. For additional information call 414-271-2656.
Feb. 24: UW-Milwaukee Annual Drag Show at Miller High Life Theatre (500 W. Kilbourn Ave.): Back for it’s 19th year, this incredibly popular show features the city’s top performers as well new yet fierce faces sure to become the talk of the town. Open to the public, the 7 p.m. show involved a $5 suggested donation at the door.
Feb. 24: Ladytastic Dance Party at Art*Bar (722 E. Burleigh St.): Get your groove on with a 9 p.m. dance party featuring nothing but songs by female vocalists. Grab your girlfriends, your dance pants and $5 for the door charge and get ready for a wild night. Guys are welcome, too, but they better be ready to boogie and keep up with the gals.
Feb. 25: The Squeezettes at Walker’s Pint (818 S. Second St.): Get your keester shaking during this afternoon delight with one of Milwaukee’s favorite polka bands. The Squeezettes bring the kooky brand of toe-taping fun to the popular Walker’s Point bar from 2-5 p.m.
Feb. 26: Beyond Resistance: Stories of Resilience and Inspiration at Turner Hall Ballroom (1040 N. Fourth St.): From women’s rights to LGBTQ issues, this evening of storytelling highlights the tenacity of the human spirit. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. with the program beginning at 7:15. The night is open to all and includes a $10 donation. Email beyondresistancemke@gmail.com with questions.
Want to share an event with Ruthie? Need her advice? Email DearRuthie@Shepex.com.
