because in the past women ( and yes i know its not always the men at fault before anyone jumps on me ) were much more dependent on their husbands and had to tolerate being in miserable realtionships because they had no choice
i still have friends in that position , who dont work or work part time and see they have no way out
but on the whole is much easier these days and life is too damn short to stay wiv someone who doesnt make u happy