We usually hear stories of husbands cheating on their wives. Bantay OCW is often asked by wives for help in dealing with the problem.
Today, cheaters are easily discovered because of modern technology, particularly through social media sites like Facebook.
Andrea does not have the usual problem of wives. She has been working for eight years in Hong Kong. Her husband, who is in the Philippines, is jobless and very jealous.
This has led to constant fights.
Andrea’s four children were still small when she left. She decided she could not rely on her husband to give their poor family a better life.
She felt good when she finally was able to send money to her family and was reassured she made the right decision to work abroad.
Every time she falls in line at the Hong Kong Central to send money to the Philippines, she is so happy thinking her children will eat well. She also sends clothes, shoes and canned goods.
Andrea is ready to endure the challenges and difficulties of being away from home for the sake of her family. She has learned to accept her husband’s being jobless and does not mind being the breadwinner. All she wants is to give her children a good life and a good future.
After several years, Andrea is now feeling comfortable in Hong Kong. She is happier and looks forward to weekends when she will get a day off to socialize with other overseas Filipino workers.
She has a friend, an easy-go- lucky type who easily develops relationships with anyone, man or woman. Since they spend a lot of time together, Andrea has started to do the same things her friend is doing.
Andrea got involved with a foreigner she came to know through text messages. She was not concerned about her husband’s jealousy.
After that relationship fell through, Andrea dated other men and even had a fling with her own boss.
Andrea tells Bantay OCW, at first she could not believe she was capable of those things. But after several years, Andrea says her conscience does not bother her anymore.
Now she has no plans to return home despite her husband’s pleas. Her children are grown. She says she does not want to go back to her old life.
Andrea feels the money she sends to her family makes up for her mistakes. She tells herself, though she may have failed to be a faithful and loyal wife, she remains a responsible mother.
Susan Andes, also known as Susan K., can be heard over Inquirer Radio dzIQ 990 AM, Monday-Friday, 10:30 am-12 noon. Audio/video live streaming is at www.ustream.tv/channel/dziq Help line: 0927.649.9870 E-mail: bantayocwfoundation@yahoo.com/susankbantayocw @yahoo.com