Ask Joan: Stay or Go?

This month, instead of addressing one reader question, I’m tackling two that are closely related – one from a dissatisfied husband and the other from an unhappy wife. Both have been in long, sexless, and abusive marriages. The essence of their stories is the same – they are miserable but haven’t left. They both need therapeutic help to understand their situations better. If you find yourself in a similar predicament, ask yourself some tough questions. If your marriage has made you unhappy for decades, staying won’t magically change things. Leaving may give you a chance at joy. It’s hard to leave, but confide in supportive people, seek therapy, and prioritize your own happiness. You deserve it.