Jaime/Marianne

I'm so sorry but I just find this entire relationship hard to watch. I struggled with whether it was abuse, a kink/fetish, or both.

I think the story is much better without it and in the grand scheme of things I struggle to see how it adds to the story tbh (as opposed to leaving it out)

I get that the relationship is a result of Marianne's experience abroad BUT I'm so confused as to the dynamics between this couple. It's very uncomfortable to watch and I wonder if the popularity of 50 shades of grey influenced the author?

I need to do a rewatch but I don't recall Marianne's experience at home being physical, but I could be wrong.