My husband does not like me being too happy. I could seem a little too sure of myself because I like to be happy but nothing more. He says he likes hearing me singing around the house.

The problem is as soon as I am too relaxed and laughing he will find some way to put me down until sometimes I am in tears. When I cry he then tries to comfort me. Now I just try not to show my feelings-not too happy, not too sad.

Any suggestions?

This would be described as controlling behaviour by your husband. Your feelings are yours and you have a right to be happy or sad and to express that freely.

If his attitude continues to worry you, we encourage you to contact a relationship counsellor or an online service staffed by professionals such as Beyond Blue. Free, confidential advice and information is given by experienced counsellors.

If you don`t find this helpful please write again.

The Manning River Times presents a series of letters under the title ‘Ask the aunties’, focusing on potential scenarios that could lead to domestic violence. While the letters are imaginary, the problems are real for many women.

To seek help, phone 1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732); Lifeline 13 11 14 or the police 000.

Some signs of abuse can include: unfairly and regularly accuses her of flirting or being unfaithful; controls how she spends money; decides what she wears or eats; humiliates her in front of other people; monitors what she is doing, including reading her emails and text messages; discourages or prevents her from seeing friends and family; threatens to hurt her, the children or pets; physically assaults her (hitting, biting, slapping, kicking, pushing); yells at her; threatens to use a weapon against her; decides what she uses for birth control; forces her to have an abortion or to continue a pregnancy; constantly compares her with other people; constantly criticises her intelligence, mental health and appearance; prevents her from practising her religion.