Been married to my wife for almost 8 years. We were both young and had been doing long distance. Admittedly, probably looking back there were signs of emotional immaturity, and to be fair, some of that may have been an age thing. Only reason we got married so young because her parents made that a condition of us living together - I guess I just went with it (looking back at it, so crazy).

Fast forward almost 8 years, and whilst it hasn't been horrible by any means, I have been carrying the emotional weight throughout the entire time. She seems to have a problem with everyone, be it family, friends, in-laws, colleagues. If I don't take the same stance as her or I am not taking her side, I become the bad guy.

I've felt her opinions and emotions dictate the way I see things, even to the point where it has influenced how I see some of my family members. She is now at the stage where she wants to cut people out of her life that "don't recognise her value" and this includes my parents and some other relatives. I'm all for setting boundaries, but this feels self-destructive.

We've done couple's counselling in the past (initiated by her - even though I suggested it years earlier), but that was to address my issues on how I deal with my family. I took a great deal out of counselling and have continued with 1-1 therapy to this day. She did not take responsibility in therapy, rather using it as a way to change/improve me.

Ultimately, her behaviour has made me lose attraction for her and I find myself at a crossroads. Most of our conversations are pretty much based around her problems, her emotions and her dislike for others.

I feel totally invisible. I'm more of a support dog than a husband. Intimacy and connection is low.

This little voice within has been there before, but as a bloke I have buried it each time it has come up. It's telling me to leave.

I'm not scared of being alone. In fact, I fantasize about being free of all this and having peace.

The repercussion from her and her family is what scares me, but the alternative is living the rest of my life in despair.