In my opinion, your marriage should be an example of what you hope your children will have in the future. I also think that people give up too easily these days. I saw my parents go through some really horrible things and come out the other side. I wouldn't recommend staying with an abusive alcholic, but she did and he got treatment and was a recovering alcholic for over 20 years when he died.

My husband and I have had some really hard times too. But there was no abuse involved. There were times in my life when I thought that I couldn't stand to see his face. But these were my issues and quite exaggerated in my mind. I am so happy that he didn't give up on me at the time. I think every marriage hits a slump 10 years in, you have to get to know each other again and appreciate each other again.

I worked with a bunch of younger people and they changed relationships more frequently than the seasons. And if there was a child involved, who cares, "I have the right to be happy." No relationship is ever going to be a joy 100% of the time. Our children are seeing spouses and children as being disposable.

Before you give up, try counseling. If that fails or is not an option, you can still raise a happy healthy child. Keep the relationship civil, no bad-mouthing the other parent. Always remember that this is the man you chose to be her father and give him the respect he is due because of it. Hopefully he will do the same.