I stayed out of fear. Fear of being alone for the rest of my life. Fear that this was as good as it would get. FEar that leaving him might be a huge mistake... if I let him go and then missed him...I couldnt' get him back. Fear that I could not handle a house, kids, dogs, job, cars, etc. without a man. Fear that my kids would grow up without a man in the house. That we weren't a "real" family any more. Fear that if I couldn't amke this work, then my life's main dream would never come to be. Fear that I would never have good sex again.
The reason I stayed with my ex-husband for 17 years was hope. I kept hoping he would change. FInally at 44, I realize people don't change THAT much.