There are times when doing the right thing seems to make matters worse.
You try to defend your friend on the playground and you’re the one who gets beat up. An employer asks for an honest opinion then makes your life miserable because they didn’t like what you said. You stop to help a stranded motorist and miss your reservation at the restaurant you’ve been waiting so long to get into. The more you try to be kind and cooperative with your ex the more they take advantage of you.
Likewise, it can be difficult in marriage when you try to do the right thing and it doesn’t seem to get you anywhere.