We are a classic American couple - married early in college, raised three kids - now that I'm 51, I look around and say "I'm supposed to spend the rest of my life with this woman?"

While we were raising the kids, I managed to focus on the day to day tasks. Now, all I see is the grinding monotony of remaining with a woman who doesn't excite me in any way, is rude, judgmental, and downright mean at times.

However, looking at the costs - financial and emotional - if dissolving a marriage after this long, I'm really struggling with pulling the trigger. I will likely end up with an enormous alimony payment for the rest of my life, and damaged child relationships.

Reading some of the posts here, life after divorce is no cakewalk either - arguments, finances, attorneys, unpleasant meetings.

Any words of advice that may push me one way or another?