lasting relationship?

Well a relationship is not just something you have to drag the whole of your life. You have to enjoy every moment of it. Your question is absolutely correct though cause things start to get boring as time passes but there are a lot of ways to keep the relationship alive and rocking. First of all whenever you meet your partner or when you spend time with each other always spend time as if it were your first date which is always interesting and worth reliving. Another thing is that you can arrange surprises for your partner. I do a lot of this for mine. I don't agree with the latter part of your discussion though cause however attractive the people around are, why should you lose interest in your partner ? Think this way, we and our mom share a relationship too. Then would you ever be attracted to other people comparing with this relationship ?

I have been with my fiance for close to 7 years now and we're about to get married late this year. it's been a tough ride for us and you're right it wasnt easy maintaining that kind of relationship. he was actually my first boyfriend, so you can just imagine how hard it was. I think what I realized over the years is that yes, romance does fade, excitement fades. but love? it doesnt. it never does. love is not measured by how many dates you went to or how many of dozens of flowers you got. it's about respecting each other, allowing your partner to grow and that you grow together. communication also plays a big role, take time to talk and re-connect. there's nothing more sad than a relationship failing just because they didnt have the time to share their thoughts with each other.

Huh? Who? What? You're kidding right? There are lots of interesting people, but if you are in a committed relationship then you should "absolutely" be able to control yourself and remain faithful to your partner. It is ridiculous to presume that just because you might meet someone interesting that you might consider betraying your partner. The best way to keep your relationship alive is to remain committed and keep your partner happy by being honest, trustworthy, and faithful. If you want to try something new, why don't you turn on the lights next time. Besides, I am too busy watching over my beautiful wife and I don't have time or inclination to look anywhere else.

It is very difficult to maintain the loyalty such as this now. Too many things of interest outside the regular habit.

My mother told me almost 50 years ago that the hardest thing I would probably ever do in life is to remain married. Now after 31 years of marriage I can tell you she was right but I can also tell you she was wrong. The hardest part of marriage is to give up your selfish self and not to hold grudges or anger toward the person you fell in love with. To stay positive through the loss of jobs, children, possessions, fighting, and all the other junk that life throws at you. When you first meet and are taken with each other a person gets that warm fuzzy feeling. When that warm fuzzy feeling begins to fade and your face and body begins to sag, there better be more to the relationship than just romance. Romance is always good, respect, having a giving heart, and sharing interests and time are essential. I took my time in searching for the person I would be with (a lot of prayer went into it also). I did want to be attracted to the right person but I also wanted to consider how my choice would affect possible children and my values and goals. There are going to be rough spots in any relationship. No one is perfect. If you can get through those (as long as it's not abuse), you will find something deeper and greater than just surface romance. Just as you would build a house using a good foundation and building supplies, your relationships need to be trustworthy and filled with integrity. Make sure that you are ready to give more than take. Make sure that you are comfortable with yourself and don't need to sap the strength out of the other person. Fall in love with a person's spirit, their deep inner self. There is an old saying that goes something like this: "Buying a house for it's paint is like choosing a person for their looks." Looks fade, true love grows deep.