Got Kids? Stay Married ... It's That Simple

Here's one more thing to consider. There is never just a single reason people remain together; there are many, many reasons couples decide to stick it out. Marriage is a package deal.

People choose to remain married because they want companionship, sex, financial security, family ties, extended family, someone with whom to share responsibilities, a person to grow old with, a preference to share life as opposed to going it alone and so on.  If one of the reasons people choose to remain together is for the sake of the kids, I say, "Bravo." That's great.

More from YourTango: How to Get What You Want in Your Marriage (Without Complaining)

The bottom line is this: We only have one go-around, and we all deserve happiness. No one should plan on simply acquiescing to a life of misery. Having said that, given the miraculous changes I've seen in couples' relationships, even in the 11th hour, I feel like a psychotic optimist.

You don't have to just stay together for the sake of the kids; get happy for the sake of the kids!  It will be a gift for a lifetime.

More from YourTango: The Key To Overcoming A Painful Divorce

Michele Weiner-Davis
Author of Divorce Busting and The Sex-Starved Marriage
Founder of www.divorcebusting.com