BellaOnline Forums Relationships Marriage A poll: Why do you stay married?

Aw, Skinnycow, there's no reason why you can't do things that you enjoy. Sure, you do for your family but surely they can understand that mom/wife is human and has basic human needs. It's bad when marriage begins to feel like a prison. I felt that way when I first got married because my life had changed so dramatically. I had new responsibilities and wanted my old life back. But now, I've realized that there really isn't any reason why I can't do what I enjoy. As long as it's not destructive, there should be no problem. If hubby truly loves you, then he would want what's best for you and your family. Like the others said, a happy wife and mother, helps make everyone else happy. When you feel miserable, it's very easy to pass that misery onward. People can feel and see it. So we're encouraging you to go for it! Do something you've been wanting to do for a long time. Let us know how things come about :)

Years ago, I prayed that God would give me the love for my husband because I was very angry at him and couldn't get over it. Since that prayer, my love for him has increased and increased every year. And the best gift of all - his love for me is doing the same thing.

I absolutely adore my husband. I still think he's one of the most brilliant men I know. I just wonder what would have happened if we had chosen to stay in surburban Pennsylvania (where I'm from) instead of moving to New York City where he's from and where we've spent most of our adult lives.

The life style of each place is so different that it makes me wonder sometimes...

That is so beautiful! I have to admit that the 20 years feels kind of strange. I keep trying to remember how we used to be when we were in our early 20s and it's a blur...It's like we were different people back then

I do not like the options listed in this poll. Nowhere is there an option listing a belief in and commitment to our weddings vows. Are the wedding vows now consider irrelevant? Do they have no meaning in today's society. Is marriage now only about finances, love/sex and children? What about a commitment to the ideals of marriage? Here is where I believe the "real" threat to the institution of marriage exists in our devaluation of it. Whatever happened to the ideal of marrying to Love and Honor our spouse until Death do us part? Is it any wonder half of all marriages end in divorce?