That is true AP, about knowing the battle plan and working the battle plan. I too, stayed in a marriage 3.5 years longer than I should have. I've stayed in other relationships longer than I should have as well, after I presumably knew better.

I think we're also socialized to not give up on love. The idea of love and being in love and chasing romance is a huge part of western culture. I'm not sure we've got the bull's eye there.

Something else to consider.

So like, did you stay because you valued love more than yourself? Or one of those others mentioned in the main article?