I think I want to leave my partner. We have been together since we were 17 and I can't imagine what life would be like without him.
We have a 3 Y/O DS and this is the first time since he was born I've felt the compulsion to leave. Before he was born, I probably almost left about 5 times over a 10 year period. Usually the same reasons - he's a very shy, quiet, unambitious person scared of making decisions and has let me completely run our lives.
When I've been in this position before, I chicken out. He promises to change and I accept that things don't seem quite bad enough to turn my life upside down and start over. I've found these near breakups completely traumatic and after a while of considering a life on my own, I get lured into the comfort and familiarity of my partner.
It's not miserable and I could carry on like this but ultimately, I don't believe he is right for me. I think popular culture dictates that this is reason alone to leave but realistically I'm not sure.
I guess I'm asking for different perspectives. Has anyone left a mediocre relationship and come out stronger? Has anyone stuck at it and are glad they did? Or will someone just tell me it will be ok - I feel so alone.
Quite often at work today it crossed my mind and I just wanted to cry. We've had a couple of blow ups this week that don't feel particularly resolved. It seems so crazy that he's just messaged me telling me what time he'll be home from work as though everything is normal when it doesn't feel normal to me at all. It feels like we're on the verge of splitting up after over 13 years and that's scary.