Deceit about store contest proves husband's no prize

DEAR AMY: Recently I got a phone call from a local video game store advising me that my husband had won a new game console from a store contest. I called my husband, and he was excited to pick up his prize. Soon enough, I found out that my husband hadn't really won a contest, but had conspired with the assistant store manager to deceive me. It turns out he actually paid for the console but didn't want me to know. When I confronted him about the lie, he repeatedly denied it, even after I had proof. After eventually fessing up, he then flipped it on me and said that because I couldn't afford to buy him a nice birthday gift, he had the store call me about the contest in hopes that I would pick up the game system and pass it off as a gift from me. To make matters worse, now he has decided that he no longer wants to speak to me or have anything to do with me. Shouldn't I be the one who is angry because of his lies and deceit?

-- All Played Out

DEAR PLAYED OUT: Your husband certainly is a player. This scheme has more components than "Minecraft." He is hiding purchases -- and likely other financial issues -- from you.

He is acting like a child, and now that he has been found out, he is withdrawing.

The store clerk's choice to participate in this domestic deception shows (at best) terrible judgment on his part and (at worst) a serious ethical lapse and possible firing offense.

Don't worry about justifying your anger; it is simply beside the point.

You and he have a lot of work to do if your relationship is going to survive.

You have financial issues and communication problems. Your husband is deceptive and childish.

You two need to put all your cards on the table -- and soon; professional financial and marital counseling would help.