your story sounds very similar to mine(except for the friend being married). my husband did not respect me or appreciate me, things would change short term and then go back to the way it was. i did'nt want to be in the same situation 6 months from then, 1 year from then or 5 years from then and i knew it would be. he was not going to change, he just did'nt get it. i've been divorced for almost 1 1/2 years. i will tell you, it is hell. i am no happier now that i'm divorced. i am lonely, i still miss my ex. i have 2 kids that i'm raising by myself most of the time. it's hard. i don't get alot of alone time, i have to do without lots of things, money is tight. i would do what ever you can to save your marriage, if that's been done, than you have a tough decision. talk to your family, your friends, get as much support as you can, you will need it. good luck. you can do it on your own, but it is hard work.