Some people can do it. However, I've found most of those play up a martyr complex, and basically live their lives guilt-tripping the other "I stuck it out for you" until the other person becomes numb, or explodes and still ends up divorced.

I don't think it sets up good standards for each other, for their children. I believe the individual is equally important and shouldn't have to put up with what's essentialy crap and excuses for what they've done to each other.

I wouldn't put up with someone abusive, and am fortunate to have family members who would help me. I point blank do believe the man would die, by my own hands, if he truly thought smacking me around, and beating the crap out of me was effective. I absolutely know he would die by my fathers hands. My aunt on dad's side and his family, didn't tell dad for almost a year that she had finally divorced her first husband because he put her in the hospital. They knew dad would have killed the man.

Infidelity? Again no, and he'd better consider himself lucky if he got out before I got hold of a knife, because I guarantee I'd be taking his penis and balls on my way out. And unlike Bobbit, he'd never get them back.