SammyChevelleTypeS3
$50 site donor 2023
Congrats on the 46 years. Wife and I made 46 this October. I can see and agree with every word you wrote. Dont know if it is like this for you but when I realize its 46 years..... and I think about good and the bad. All of the good erases the bad for me easily even thought there is always some rough patches we all go thru. I think the man and woman must some how be so in tune with each other you end up not just mates but best friends. Think that is what really makes any couple make over 40 years. My only advice to the young would be this.I and my wife of 46 years were together about 5 years before we got married. Based on my experience, my opinion is that even with several years of being together, you still don't really know them that well. It took me/us many years to develop into that unconditional love stage (a foreign concept in my upbringing). Before that, I think we both had some hidden characteristic neither knew about each other. I think that in the "being together" stage many people don't show their true inner selves, maybe for fear of losing the other person?
Most, if not all of us have faults. Staying married means learning to accept and live with each other's faults through thick and thin (not abuse and similar things).
Sequoiasoon stated "That final step is a big commitment and needs constant communication and work, no hiding, it won't help later. That goes for money, kids, retirement, career goals, family time, chore and expense sharing and expectations." Delve into these topics now and make sure you are on similar pages.
That you are asking us advice on this is a bit of a red flag on your part regarding how well you think you know your potential lifetime mate. But kudos for reaching out for advice, hopefully with the idea of growing better based on other's experiences.
Do you feel like you can not be without that person? If so, maybe it is right (if) they feel the same.