Im just wondering why we stay in damaged marriages/relationships for so long when they just drain everything out of us.

I have noticed that many of us on this site are either going through some really hard times with our spouses or have been through them and finally had the courage to get the hell out. But why do we stay so long?

I know I have written about this type of thing once or twice but I just cant seem to understand this. I know there are many reasons why but when it comes to being strong, to standing on your own two feet and just saying "I want and deserve more!", why cant we do this? Do we feel so trapped, or maybe it is because we are afraid no one else will want us. Maybe we are just too lazy?

Im just frustrated tonite because I have taken so much from my husband. And now we are at a point where he could care less how I feel about how he acts or what effect it has on me or my child. (It used to be he would at leased say IM SORRY, or try harder for a few months!)
And in the end I guess Im most hurt at the fact that he just doesn't see how much his behavior truly hurts me in so many ways. (Maybe its too hard for me to admit he doesn't love me.)
Anyway, I know I deserve better, and Im tired of dwelling on the boo-hoo part of this situation. I think Im at the point where I know what has to be done here, but just have to get the courage up to actually do it!!!

I hope that I am at leased stronger in the end after all of this. Whew!!!