Dangers of physical proximity.

I just got an email from a friend I haven't spoken with in while.  She is separated from her husband and plans to divorce him. 

Yesterday I saw a friend has recently retained a lawyer and plans to separate soon.  We spoke sporadically about the situation, over the din of kids' play while we were at the park.  It is so rare we get to spend time all together that we conversed mostly with her kids, who are lovely. 

But at one point she said something that told me she felt relieved.  The prospect of being physically separate from her husband clearly meant freedom from a lot of misery. 

I don't think I could have ever gotten a divorce if I would not have been able to physically leave my house and stay with my parents for a while.  There is something powerful about physical proximity in a situation of co-habitation.  While it is comforting, it can take hold of you.  The desire for peace - especially when you have children - can silence you.  Yet a pat of you is outraged for having to put up with things that make you unhappy. 

All I have to say is: don't do it unless that person continually uplifts you.