Dear GhanaWeb: My husband seeks consent from his late girlfriend before fulfilling my requests

Dear GhanaWeb,

I have been married to my husband for five years, and we have two children.

My husband lost the love of his life five years ago, so he was still grieving when we met.

His parents told me that since the death of his girlfriend, he has closed his heart to love and would fight anyone who dares to question his relationship status.

I was the first woman he brought home as his girlfriend after his girlfriend's demise. There were ups and downs in the relationship, but I assumed things would change when we got married.

Marriage has been hell since we were pronounced husband and wife. On the days we took off work to go for our honeymoon, my husband was away on a 'work trip.'

He returned three months later, and when he did, I had to beg him before he would have sex with me.

But before he consents, he has to seek permission from his deceased girlfriend by speaking to her picture, and after we finish, he goes back to take the picture and apologises for cheating on her.

It doesn't end there; anytime I ask him for money for the children or to manage the house, he has to seek permission from his girlfriend.

Not long ago, he hung three pictures of his late girlfriend, two in the hall and one in our bedroom.

I have never been happy since we got married. The only joy I derive from my marital home is my children.

I know embarking on a recovery journey after losing someone is not easy, but it has been over ten years, and isn't it time for him to discard the past and move on?

Oh God, this is stressful, and I don't know how to make it work.

Dear GhanaWeb is a relationship and lifestyle advice column by GhanaWeb where the GhanaWeb audience responds to your questions and problems about relationships at home, work, and beyond. Share yours with GhanaWeb at features@ghanaweb.com: