What's Love Got To Do With It?

[linlou43]

Cindy wrote:

> Anyway, this latest anniversary got me thinking about two things. 
> First, I started to wonder if I have the longest marriage of 
anyone on
> OTC (of those who are willing to admit to being married, anyway).  
<g>
>  Surely I ought to be in contention for the title, don't you 
think?  I
> mean, 13 years sure *feels* like a really long time.  (And to be
> inclusive, let's consider "marriage" to include same-sex unions.)  


     I've been institutionalized for 13 1/2 years myself. ;) Seems I 
have a lot less than some others that have already replied but 
sometimes it seems like forever. I can't even imagine living without 
him though, and the time seems to have flown by.


> Second, I started to wonder if there is any common characteristic
> among those who are married for a long time.  I know my own views 
of
> what makes a good partner have changed dramatically since I was a
> blushing bride.  But I'm wondering what everyone else thinks about
> that -- what does love have to do with it?  And what else is 
involved?


      We have had some really rough times. In our case it wasn't me 
who thought they wanted out, but hubby. We got by that though. Tough 
times breed strong relationships. If I had to pick an overriding 
characteristic (besides love- I consider that a given for it to work)
that is of paramount importance for a LTR, I would say that you need 
to be willing to fight for it. Every time I see one of those 
celebrity divorces three months after the wedding, I can't help but 
wonder why they got married in the first place if they weren't 
willing to do the work. That is not to say hard times are a 
requirement for a good relationship, but I think you all will get my 
point.

    linlou, who is going to stop here before she gets carried away