How to Decide What to Do if Your Partner Was Involved in a Crime

What would you do if you discovered that your partner was mixed up in crime, or lacking in essential character qualities?

Alecia was the girl in the small town – the one who always wanted to 'go places.' One summer she met Charlie, a quiet, reserved boy, who had a clean and "honest" face. He told her that he worked with an investment company. He was plentifully supplied with money. He came from the big city, where she had always longed to live. His good looks and pleasing personality so charmed her that she rejected Frank, the nice boy who lived around the corner, and married Charlie. Not until the police arrested him during their honeymoon did she discover that his real business was gambling and forging checks. She succeeded without difficulty in having the marriage annulled, but then what?

She might have gone on to the big city and sought to establish herself there. But it was in a time of depression. She had no friends there, and no training. Going would be risky, and her folks were not wealthy. If she remained in her own home town she would have a place to live. All her friends would still be there. There was also the possibility that Frank might again become interested. She had no doubt that returning home and admitting her mistake was the only thing to do. The great question was, could she stand it emotionally? Could she again face her old friends, and Frank. Could you have done it under the circumstances, even if you felt that it was best? Here was a real test of mental health. (Note: she did return and was accepted by Frank. He wisely felt that a girl who had that much sense and courage would make an excellent wife.)

Less clear was Elsa's problem. She married a respectable up-and-coming man in the coal business. She soon discovered that he regularly cheated his customers on weight, a matter about which she felt strongly. When she protested he laughed at her. Business, he told her, was being smarter than the other fellow.

What should she do? Should she expose his activities? Should she demand that he change and if he refused, leave him? Should she just be quiet about everything and stay with him regardless? What would you do if the issue were really important to you? Are you emotionally healthy enough to decide wisely, and to stand by your decision?