Bestlife says that a 50 year marriage will set you back $590,400. You can see the breakdown here:

http://www.bestlifeonline.com/cda/article/0,5507,s1-1---1898,00.html


Just some comments -

Flowers - My wife hates to get flowers. She thinks that they are a waste of time since they don't last. (She's very practical)

Cards - I write personal letters to my wife. Cheaper than cards, and much more, well, personal.

Caring for pets - Here's where it hurts for me. We have cats, and they cost us a pretty penny in medications and vet bills.

Presents (Birthday, etc) - I make some of these things. Just like with letters, the personal touch is nice. This works better if you actually know how to make stuff.

Theatre etc. tickets - We just don't go to this stuff that much. When we do, we go to local community theatre which is pretty reasonably priced.

Dinners out - We don't spend nearly as much as listed. Part of that is because we go to casual places.

I'll have to sit down and come up with my annual costs to see what the bottom line is.

Frankly, it sounds like a bunch of BS to me-we are going to eat at those dinners too, and take those vacations, probably have the vasectomy at some point, go to the movies, etc. and I would have pets even if I weren't married... And if I were single, I sure as he.ll would not sit at home all of the time, I'm sure I would be investing in wine, women and song...

This is the product of some writr having a deadline and nothing to write about.

None of those costs is gonna be the same in year 40 or 45 as it was in year 1 or 5.

And what about the offsetting cost of health care, since "they" say that married men are so much healthier...

And married men spend less for nights on the town, hookers, etc.

This is as much nonsense as saying that a housewife should be earing $135,000 because if you had to hire someone to do all of the cra.p that they do, you would pay that much.

Sheesh.

Hey Rock - I'm sure your post was well intentioned, but I think a bit harsh. It's not easy for anyone to walk out a relationship, even one with problems.

Obviously, Cinnamon thinks there is a chance to make this work, and comes here for advice, and maybe to vent a bit.

Read my post called "She's Lost Interest" and you will see a similar theme for a group of the guys who post here.

I know you will read this Cinnamon, so I just want to say that while there may be truth to what Rockhead is saying, only you can decide if it's time to walk away. In the meantime, I am happy to listen and opine. As are Texasman and Leatherneck.

Hang in there, and let us know how it's going!