I've been saying that if one more insult occurs, I will leave. He has insulted me and has said hurtful things when we've fought. The fighting has been on the increase because he is stressed about his mother's failing health, and I am sick of it.

He also asks me every time we fight if I want to stay in this marriage, and talk of breaking up is always brought up by HIM. Every single time. He often projects his feelings onto me, so I am now wondering if he's the one who wants to leave?

Since April, I think we've had 4-5 different fights. Two in April and three in the last month. All because of HIS stress. He initiates and escalates every fight. I am not a fighter.

We're in therapy together and individually. I don't think he's truly working on himself in his own therapy though. And I cannot force him either.

Those who know the story know that this has been a long standing issue in my marriage - the fights and the emotional and verbal abuse that occurs during these fights.

I can admit that at the age of 52 I am a little scared to be single again. I am scared of being alone in life, and I don't have many friends locally. This may be holding me back from ending my marriage, but I also know that I will not stand to be insulted again or any further. Enough is enough. I also know the advantages of being single... all too well since I was single most of my life.

The other issue that may be holding me back - I lost my dad this year. Facing a divorce in the same year is just really too much for me.

Any supportive replies are welcome. Please be gentle. Thank you for listening.