'My parents keep fighting...'

Dear Diana

Dear Diana,
For the past three years, my parents have been having constant squabbles. They are fighting over the smallest of things every single day. I am 19 years old and have no siblings. Things went amiss when my mother was told by a relative that my father was having an affair with another woman. Ever since, her attitude towards my father changed, while he has become defiant. I know that there is another woman in his life because he splurges on her and my mother has to run the home on a tight budget. The only reason I feel they haven't gone their separate ways is because of me. Six months ago, I told them they do not have to lead an unhappy life because of me and can put their personal well being first. As I am caught in the crossfire, I have been spending more and more time outside the home. When I tell them to go their separate ways, they find it odd that I, as their only child, wants them to part ways.
- Shlok

Illustration/Amit Bandre

Dear Shlok,
It looks like nothing is left in the marriage, but your parents are still living together under the same roof because of you. Tell them that their constant fighting is affecting your studies as well as your well being. Make them understand that your happiness lies in their happiness. They do not want anything to affect you, but their daily squabbles is affecting you even more. Tell your mom that instead of living in misery, it is better they go their ways while you can spend time with both. The separation will not be easy especially if your mother is financially dependent on your father so ensure she gets her due as your father is having an extra-marital affair.