For the source text click/tap here: Yevamot 118
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Our daf contains 3 mishnayot, the third of which has a disturbing claim:
Ravina said to Rava: With regard to one who confers possession of a bill of divorce to his wife through an agent in a situation when there was a quarrel between them, what is the halakha?
The Gemara explains both sides of the question: Since she has a quarrel with him, the bill of divorce might be considered for her benefit. Or perhaps, her physical comfort is preferable to her, as she prefers to remain married despite the quarrel between her and her husband.
Come and hear a resolution, as Reish Lakish said: There is a popular idiom among women:
It is better to sit as two [tan du] than to sit lonely as a widow, i.e., a woman prefers the companionship of any husband over being alone.
We explore this claim critically and the possibility that the fear of loneliness is less than enduring an abusive marriage