I hate Church and still feel obligated to go

[robvalue]

Good for you, for making a clear decision about it. I honestly think it's the right one.

I agree that there is compromise in any relationship, especially marriage. But there's a point at which compromise becomes "compromising yourself". That's when things have gone too far. In my opinion, no relationship is worth that.

I'm glad it worked out reasonably well. I hope your wife continues to respect your position. If she starts trying to emotionally blackmail you, it's her that is creating the problem and personally I wouldn't stand for anything like that.

I'm sad she thinks it's "just a phase", it's rather patronising. But I don't want to assume too much about you and your wife, so I won't say any more!