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ORIGINAL: Mercnbeth
~ Fast Reply ~
90% failure? The specific percentage isn't critical. Would anyone argue that "success" is in the majority?
There are many who aren't prepared to be in a relationship. They don't know themselves well enough. They don't know what they want except that they want to be in a relationship. People need and should be in a relationship. Growing up isn't that what we were told? Being alone is 'not good'. BULL! I believe you may be better suited for a long term relationship if you are first comfortable, content, confident, and HAPPY being alone. Think of it this way; if you're not happy with yourself long term - how can you expect anyone else to enjoy your company long term?
Counter intuitive I'd say that a big reason is too much compromise going into a relationship and not enough once considering yourself in one. Add to the equation the frustration of serving multiple 'masters' (Not pointed exclusively to the submissive side of the flogger.) and most relationships are doomed to fail at the start.
Laziness comes into play. Many have being in a relationship as a life goal. STAYING in a relationship doesn't get the same priority. I don't think it should be 'work' but it requires ongoing focus and dedication. It's a good reason to have rules, responsibility expectations, and goals documented at the start. 'Communication' is a talking point but what does it mean to apply it as a maintenance tool important to an ongoing healthy relationship? Regular review and re-dedication is important. People evolve and desires expand; the ability to be open about a new fantasy and a partner willing to explore it with you is practical communication.
Another big problem is that people forget to focus on fun. Long term financial investment takes precedent over short term fun. Pragmatic gets assigned to housing and transportation; but just as important is a line item budget for FUN. It doesn't even have to be expensive. Time is a most valuable of assets and it is the ultimate 'hard limit' for us all. When a decision needs to be made involving $$$ versus time with your partner - pick the partner every time and your never regret it. There aren't many long term fond and fun memories in a checking account reconciliation.
There is no beacon providing a perfect example. Any such beacon can only be spoken of in the past tense after one or both of the partners die. There are too many absolutes and and 'what if...' situations to speak of any relationship lasting forever. I know I've never had a "successful" relationship. By definition, without death, you can't apply a past tense to success and relationship. I belief I'm in a "successful relationship" now. However, I but would never be so bold, lazy, or complacent to consider this to be forever. I think the day I do, I risk it ending. I avoid the reference to 'working' on a relationship because the reference implies effort and effort's definition doesn't fit. Does gravity imply effort? I think that force and the trust in the effect is more relative. Similar to gravity, I trust that we both have the same the same goals and are equal in our desire to continue what we share.