The Art of Endings

One thing alluded to, but not addressed directly in the article is the issue of the impact of financial issues on the timing of making a 'Necessary Ending'.

Often, I have found that I prolonged an ending because the timing would impact me too negatively in the financials department.

This can be a big factor in personal relationships as well as business relationships. In business, we make investments of funds and don't want to walk away from it until we recoup our losses...

In a marriage, for example, especially with women, there is often a great disparity between the earning power of a wife and husband; and to leave the relationship would mean severe financial hardship.

So, there are situations where we know on a mental and emotional/psychological level that we need to leave but get 'stuck' in the financial logistics...

That is so true, Anonymous. I am thankful I am the breadwinner of my household. I am one of those women who has a "househusband." A woman should never have to be in an unhappy marriage because she can't afford to leave, especially if she is the one who did majority of the child-rearing.
I can't tell you how many times I have let fear of the unknown drive my decisions though. So many people get stuck in a rut. It is downright sad. If we all took a good look within ourselves and did what we were truly designed to do with our lives, who knows what the world would look like? Instead, most of us cling to the bits of costume jewelry we are familiar with, never realizing giving them up could mean diamonds in the future.

@Serendipity. You don't think a woman should be in a situation where she can't afford to leave. Yet you have no problem with your husband being in that situation as a househusband. Pure hypocrisy.

I think anyone in a marriage should have the financial standing to be able to leave. Unfortunately, for many years, it's been the woman who suffers because of the traditional roles. The truth remains, however, that men on average make more than women, and should a dissolution of the marriage occur, the man usually ends up able to make more and be better off financially.

I have always considered marriage to be a permanent condition yet found myself in an abusive relationship with an unfaithful spouse. For years I felt powerless to change things and accepted things I never should. The unfaithfulness eventually proved the catalyst by which I had the courage to insist on change - when that boundary was not respected, I gathered the courage to end the marriage.

It's tough, but possible and yes - he earns more than me, but I'm making it as a working mother of three little ones. Therapy helped me see the reality of my situation and access the strength God supplies.

Dr Cloud's advice and wisdom are always helpful during critical turns in my life. I have a collection of his books. Thank you.

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Dr. Cloud-Aren't you thankful that Jesus didn't practice "the art of ending"? Aren't you grateful He didn't set up the "boundaries" between us and Him as you encourage your patients to do?

I am the higher breadwinner and my estranged husband has for yeArs remained under employed, threatened my financial ruin, and done whatever he pleases because he knows I don't want to financially hurt my kids or become their burden in the future. This will eventually have a necessary ending, but I have tried two Marriage counselors, supported him in individual counseling and many other efforts to no avail. I feel the children and I can't enjoy the fruits of my labor and the freeloader is winning -- and may win in court too due bizarre laws that account for the fact people manipulate circumstances.