One of my closest friends said something that's stuck with me and I can't decide whether to feel sad for her, or not.
I always thought she had a reasonably perfect marriage, her DH is a lovely guy. But she admitted she doesn't feel 'in love' as such, that she imagined herself with someone who really 'gets' her (she's very creative, he's practical) is romantic (apparently he is pants with this), and she said the sex is a bit dull, but okay. She says he's a bit of a loner (he does come across as shy) and she feels guilty leaving him at home alone when she's off out with friends/hobbies.
Together they've built up a very good business and had the benefit of an inheritance (his family) and they're not mega rich but basically she doesn't have to work now and they're financially secure. (Admit I'm more than a bit envious, I'd love to leave my job!!)
So effectively, a major part of staying married to him is the financial security - she said, there's nothing 'bad' enough to leave him for, and the grass isn't always greener anyway. (They don't have kids, though wanted them, IVF wasn't successful sadly).
It really surprised me and I wondered how many others do or would feel the same as my friend? I didn't give any opinion to her, just listened and nodded while our wine went down!