Dear Annie: My husband and I recently had a heated argument because he threw away some things that I was going to send off to family. It escalated, and as I was trying to walk away, he grabbed me by the shoulders and roughly pushed me up against the wall ... somehow then (I think he kind of threw me, but everything happened really fast) I was hitting the floor and crying.

My friends all want me to go to the police. We have a 13-year-old son, and I don’t know what to do.

I’ve always told myself that I would leave a man immediately if he put his hands on me, but now we have a teenage son, a house, etc.

If you wanted to ask, he hasn’t done that before. He has had anger issues in the past, he has kicked one of my dogs, has blocked me from trying to leave a room and a few other things. Hurt and Confused Dear Hurt and Confused: You should call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 800-799-7233 immediately -- if not for you, then for your son.

Children who grow up in homes where one parent is abused are more likely to exhibit anxiety and risky behavior as teens. They are also at a greater risk of ending up in abusive relationships as adults. Don’t put your son through this.

You also need to keep your own well-being in mind. This is not just a warning sign -- it sounds like you have already had a few of those -- it’s a crime. You and your son should consider moving to someplace safe until your husband gets the treatment that he needs.

Dear Annie: I am depressed about my life. I left a professional career that I really disliked, but I have no other transferable skills, and I am in my mid-50s, so another career is unlikely. I have been married for 30 years and have kids who are beginning to leave the nest. I worked part time while basically raising the kids.

My marriage feels like a roommate relationship. We haven’t had sex in years and barely had sex throughout our marriage before then. I don’t think my husband finds me attractive. (I don’t think he ever did.) My husband is a great father and is loved by most people who meet him. In fact, my own few friends seem to like him more than they like me, which makes me jealous on both counts.

I just don’t feel like he likes me as much as he likes being loved. I feel all alone, and my husband refuses to discuss anything, including financial difficulties. I also feel like my looks and personality are obstacles.

My parents have died, so I don’t feel like I have anyone who loves me unconditionally. I think my depression is situational, but I can’t see any way to change the situation. I wish I knew what to do to improve things. -- Sad Dear Sad: First things first, I highly recommend you see a therapist. It sounds like you have a serious case of depression, and you don’t need to feel so terrible all the time. You’d be surprised at how effective the right treatment can be. You might see things completely differently.

For now, I would recommend investing in yourself. People are attracted to people who are passionate about the world. Find a hobby you love. Go on a trip. Spend time outdoors admiring nature. Once you begin to enjoy your own company, you can focus on improving the relationships in your life.

“How Can I Forgive My Cheating Partner?” is out now! Annie Lane’s second anthology -- featuring favorite columns on marriage, infidelity, communication and reconciliation -- is available as a paperback and e-book. Visit http://www.creatorspublishing. com for more information. Send your questions for Annie Lane to dearannie@creators. com.