To think most people are in relationships out of fear?

[Backoff85]

Seems like i read a lot of threads and meet a lot of couples where one or both have cheated or arent happy or theres a big imbalance.

Sure there are other reasons to stay like sunken costs etc. But AIBU to think that lots of people stay because theyre scared of social stigma or having to downsize or just the quiet of an empty house?

I really respect single people.

Good relationships should be more than the sum of the two parts, bringing out the best in one another.... its not always going to be a bed of roses and high romance, sometimes it does take a degree of will to decide to put the other person first even when it would be more appealing to just concentrate on your own short term happiness. But if both partners are committed to this its amazing what couples can do and support each other through. Obviously the situation is different if one or both partners have given up/checked out or are unkind/abusive and the other sticks with it out of duty or fear.

It does seem a modern idea though, particularly with marriage, that it's time to give up if life isnt blissful every moment of every day or that there aren't some compromises to be made when you share your life with another person.

Dances I wonder about this too. Unless your partner is perfect and you are 100% happy all the time, LTB and move on seems to be a very commonly accepted attitude.

I adore DH and love that we have been through so much together, including times when I hated his guts and he hated mine. But those times were due to external pressures we didn't knwo how to handle at the time. the fact we stuck it out, worked through it and came out the other side more deeply affectionate and enjoying each other's company more has made me feel deeply secure and happy in life in a way I never expected to be. I love knowing I have a life partner, that he will be there for me and I for him whatever life throws at us.