Hi Stephen, NEVER, EVER, one should stay in a bad relationship! But, having said that, people need different amounts of time between seeing the first signs, asking their partner to change, trying to implement strategies to improve the relationship or mustering the courage to leave. For some it’s days, for others it’s months, even years… Cannot, would not judge, because everyone’s story and circumstances and personality are unique. And I totally agree that there should be the “private space that is inviolate” for each of us. That’s hard to teach, hard to claim, but I hope we can move towards that direction. Another word for it would be ‘boundaries.’ Learning to leg go of guilt and fear and making the conscious choice to live one’s life to the fullest is a noble and attainable ambition. Thank you for visiting and leaving a thoughtful comment. I hope to see your around and hear more from you. Take good care of yourself, Liza.