DEAR ERIC: Several years ago, I moved to the U.S. from Europe to marry my wife. Her father agreed to support us financially until my work authorization was approved. Around the time of the approval my wife suffered a severe mental health crisis and needed time to recover.

My father-in-law hired a “life coach” and my wife and I worked with her to get our finances and household in order.

It took me longer to find a job than was agreed upon. My FIL demanded that I go home to Europe. I was told I would not be allowed to return home until I found a job.

The life coach told me my wife would be cut off financially if she allowed me back into our marital home.

Every time I came close to finding work my FIL raised the bar for what he expected of me.

I became angry about being forcibly separate

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