I have a question and I would appreciate any and all opinions.<P>For almost a year my wife has said she wants to leave but because of financial constraints she hasn't. I do know that she has looked at some apartments and periodically purchases things she would need for an apartment and keeps them at a friends house. Getting prepared I guess.<P>My question is this and it is directed to those who have left a home, especially one with a young child. But all others please offer your opinion.<P>Are the levels you decided to "want" to leave home and the level you got to to actually "do" it the same? I know my wife "feels" that she has to leave here but is actually doing it another level entirely? Is this clear? I think feeling a certain way and choosing to do something about it are 2 different things. I am just thinking that even though she seems to be preparing to leave, as long as she is still here I'm hopeful and trying to do my best (plan A) to keep the environment here one in which it would be even more difficult for her to leave.<P>Thanks in advance for response.

I cannot speak for your wife, nor would I attempt to. I can only share with you my reasons for not leaving our home when I got that urge earlier this year.<P>I was scared; plain and simple. I was afraid of debt, I was afraid of my kids' questions about where their daddy was, I was afraid of being 'out there' alone again. I was a single parent for years prior to getting married.<P>When I was in my deep state of withdrawal from my marriage, that was about the time when I stumbled upon this website and started reading all the information about meeting each other's emotional needs and the love bank, policy of joint agreement, and the love busters. This information helped me make my decision to stay home.<P>"It's cheaper to keep her?" Maybe. But when I weighed all the pluses and minuses, I would rather stay married. I hope and pray that your wife will think of what is best for your family and not just what she wants. Hang in there, friend.