Reader Writes: “My 24 year-old daughter has been dating a 37 year-old man for the past two years. The age difference is not the concern, it is the fact the man is married and has two sons. The man and his wife moved to our area a few years ago to open a ‘swingers’ service. Through an unrelated business relationship they met my daughter and, over time, apparently convinced her she could make more money ‘dancing’ jist as his wife does. Theirs is a so-called ‘open’ relationship, and I feel my daughter is being controlled by this man and his wife. She thinks she loves him but I think he is ‘pimping’ her and his wife by having them ‘dance.’ When he is around, my daughter hardly says anything and when she does she looks to him for approval or permission. How do I get her to realize the situation she is in?”
Rod Responds: You might be powerless until your daughter sees the light. Any attempt to force her – while she is under his spell – will fall on deaf ears and only cause her to cut you off completely. Gentle questions like “how is this working for you?” and “are you as fulfilled as you can possibly be?” might get her thinking some sane thoughts.
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