Risky Business
Dear Dyke Whisperer, I started a company a year ago that caters to the gay market. I partnered with a woman who has complementary business skills. I believe we have been successful and are just now reaping the benefits of our hard work. The problem is with my partner’s wife. She has never trusted me, doesn’t like me, and is a general pain in the butt. They’ve had marital problems in the past.
My business partner, because of the wife’s pressure, wants to change the structure of our business relationship. I’m reluctant to do this because I don’t want to be formally “tied” to her wife. Any suggestions?
Tense in Texas
Dear Tense,
This does not sound like a stable situation. You have no control of whether your partner’s wife likes you or the nature of their relationship. It’s a shame, really, since your business seems to be doing well.
To offer you a complete answer, I would need to know more details about your business relationship. Just based on what you’ve communicated, though, I don’t think a binding business agreement is wise. If/when your partner splits with her wife, you don’t want any of your assets or decision-making capabilities compromised AT ALL. Unfortunately, situations such as you describe rarely improve and tend to deteriorate over time.
