So nobody seems to have mentioned this (and I am posting well after this discussion) BUT I am pretty sure Carol didn't sign the divorce papers meaning they aren't actually divorced. So likely she is still trying to make the marriage work but by giving him space and all that. That fits completely with her character so…

I don't think the idea is necessarily that you buy into the "suburban dream" of two kids, a house, and a mortgage - because a lot of us recognize that is not a path to happiness nor is it any true indication of adulthood or maturity.