[MineralMan]

"I've come across a number of loveless marriages which stay put due to making sure the kids have a stale household. While laudable I wouldn't wish that sort of situation on my worst enemy."

Your personal experience is no indication of the general run of things. It sounds to me that you have been embittered somehow, perhaps by a relationship.

I think you'll find that many people here are in long-term, happy marriages. Perhaps you should step back and have a listen to what they're telling you.

I note in your page that you are planning to join the Marines. That's a good thing. Give that some time. When you are a few years older, your opinion may well change. Life's like that.

[KantianBurke]

Admittedly using ancedotal evidence isn't helpful on the face of things. However after college and work in the private sector accompanied by some W. Bennett works, they tend to justify such a view.