Navigating the complications of a blended family may be difficult, especially when they have just started living together. Naomi’s stepdaughter likes her cat, while her own daughter is scared of it. When Naomi’s husband refused to part with the pet, she made an extreme choice that elicited an unexpected response. She contacted us for guidance after feeling wounded and lost.

Here is Naomi’s letter:

My stepdaughter has a cat-it helped her cope with her mom’s d3ath. The thing is, my daughter is afraid of cats, and we just moved in. I thought that getting rid of the pet wouldn’t be a big deal, but my husband refuses. I said, “Is a cat more important to you than my child?” So, I secretly sold it.

The next day, I hear my kid scream. I rush to her room, and to my horror, I find three cats sitting on my daughter’s bed. Needless to say, my child was terrified and started crying.

Needless to say, my child was terrified and started crying.

I asked my husband what was happening, and he just smirked. He told me that this would teach my daughter how not to act irresponsibly like her mother because actions have consequences.

It’s been two days now, and those three cats are still in the house. My daughter is still very afraid, even more than before, and I am seriously considering ending our relationship over this. Do you think I really acted irresponsibly, or should I get a divorce from this man whom I loved so much?