Highly scientific poll on the duration of love

[LucyParsons]

My boyfriend and I have been talking a lot recently about marriage (neither of us wants to get legally married, for a variety of reasons), and why some of our peers are doing it (legal rights, social pressure, religious reasons, etc., etc.) or not. One of the reasons I don't see myself getting married is because, based on both personal experience and observation, I don't think it's realistic to expect to be in love with some one for the rest of your life (unless you're already into McSame territory ;) ). I just haven't seen many couples who were really happy 20 years or more down the road. They're either divorced (sometimes multiple divorces) or "trapped" in a boring or miserable marriage. I have only seen about 3 exceptions to this among people who've been together over decades.

We could into a long discussion about the reasons for this, but that's not really my concern.

I'm just wondering, in a purely curious fashion, how many of you are in a longterm, happy marriage (or, I suppose, committed relationship if you're either like me and don't want to get married or you are gay and are not allowed to get married).

Thanks and happiness to everyone in all their personal relationships, single, married, gay, straight, and Martians!

[GCP]

1. Very happily married to the same guy for 38 years

Just pick the right one!

[LucyParsons]

2. Congrats, and thanks!

From what I've seen, it tends to be really thoughtful, unselfish (and dare I say "intelligent" ?!) people who "make it work".

My mother has been a family law legal secretary for the past 20+ years, and watching her bemoan the idiocy of many of the clients has been... depressing. If you don't know your husband's middle name, you're probably headed for trouble. Right?

[pokerfan]

3. That is so true

And so not me. :)