>> I was talking to a family member about this and we discussed how our parents always pushed us to do our best and to learn and better ourselves. Maybe his parents didn't do that? <<

Probably not. However, do you know his family at all? If not, ask a few questions. I know my wife's family pretty well, but she doesn't know my mom at all (mom is all I have). My mom pushed me and it worked out ok. It hurt my potential in social situations but helped me land good jobs and grow my career.

Sure, some families break up for this reason. No kids? That's good. As we said in other threads - Neglect is a form of abuse. I would say that you can ask for things and create a needs-base. Don't back down. You don't drive? Get into driving lessons. Borrow a car (his car?) Drive him to work and then you have a vehicle. If all else fails - what do you have to fall back on? Can you "go home" to parents or siblings?

I'm not saying break up - only consider that an option. Work on it, try hard - but if it is something where you are compelled to live a good life and you believe that compulsion is worth something, you have to act on it. If you guys go to couples therapy (available?) and you say you want him to change and do different things - he may take that as "nagging" and not change at all. Or, he may say "you're my wife, you're important and I will do that". If he doesn't change after saying that - you have to make your own life-decisions. Your marriage is not a child - it is something that can be dissolved for health reasons (your health may deteriorate due to this situation). Your life and its potential is supposed to be *enhanced* by a marriage. It is not supposed to be *dragged down* by a marriage.