My marriage was dead from the honeymoon on, and I stayed over 20 years. There were what I thought valid reasons for staying: during the first miserable year, my job as a cartoonist was within earshot of him in the same building, and I didn't know how I could leave and keep my job. Then I became pregnant and shortly thereafter left working to stay home and care for my daughter. Any discussion about divorce resulted in threats that he would take her from me, and I believed him, feeling I had no rights. I stayed until she left for college, moving out into a ratty furnished shortly thereafter, and had never been happier. Divorced 9 years now, working as a teacher, and owning my own home, I'm not sure I did the right thing by staying all that time...over 20 years! One thing I think I'll do soon, though, is change back to my maiden name! Why should I keep a name that represented 20 years of unhappiness!
Patty