Falling in love is the most wondrous feeling one could ever wish for. It is the reason why we want to share a life together. But is love enough in the long term or even in the short term? Looking at the divorce statistics it is a definite no.
Happy long term partnerships are a bit of a conundrum, an intriguing puzzle for many who have not been as successful in relationships. Hence why there is such an interest in finding the secrets of long term marriages of 50 to 60 years. There is even a rare few who have even celebrated a mind boggling 70 or 80 years together!
In interviews we hear these couples asked why they have lasted so long together. They say we laugh, we like each other, we always talk, we never go to sleep angry with each and so on. They appear very genuine! The TV viewers nod heads realising that there are no mysterious magical powers involved here, just basic essential ingredients that keep people happy together. But really, after 50+ years, couples still actually like each other?
Their love has not dissipated over the many years, just changed from a fresh romantic love at the start to one that fits well and feels good intermingled with many other factors. There is no doubt that these long termers have grown together with their ups and downs. Every couple has them.
It is often said that couples who spend any number of years, short or long together are courageous and brave deserving medals. Maybe they do! But the couples may not think so. To them it was just natural to work as a team.
My answer is that love is significantly important in any relationship but it is enhanced with so much else like a couple who genuinely like, respect with the want to communicate and laugh together. I also believe that when one gets together with the right person it has more chance to succeed.

Cheers and Blessings