Conversely, she might remain in a loveless marriage because the high cost of exit lowers the attractiveness of the best outside alternative. Social workers describe the plight of a battered wife as "high cost, low rewards." Yet she often remains with her abusive husband because the option of being alone in the world appears worse. (Outcome > CLalt) She’ll end the relationship only when she perceives an outside alternative which promises a better life (CLalt > Outcome).