What is the most important thing in a long term relationship / marriage?

[jennypenny]

I knew what you meant. I was just trying to make a joke.

That's twice today my humor failed. I think I need to work on my delivery.

[Dragline]

This actually covers this subject pretty well:

http://www.quickanddirtytips.com/money- ... al-success

Read it or listen to the audio. Basically, what you are looking for is someone with the following traits:

1. High Self Esteem
2. Responsibility
3. Honesty
4. Openness; and
5. Curiosity

Just the kind of person I would go into business with.

YMMV

[Peanut]

I'm amazed the word 'love' has not appeared once in this thread!

But re: the question, I think the answer is going to be different for each couple, and may also be different at different times of the relationship for any particular couple. The two members of the couple might even have fairly different ideas about what makes their relationship precious to each of them. To paraphrase Bill Clinton(!) marriages are a mysterious thing.

[JasonR]

o

[GandK]

And this (depressing) article seems to imply that the answer is "friendship":

New Benefits of Marriage Study Actually Hints at the Horrors of Middle Age

[7Wannabe5]

A poor girl wants to marry, a rich girl wants to flirt
A rich man goes to college, a poor man goes to work
A drunkard wants another drink of wine, and a politician wants your vote
I don't want much of nothing at all, but I will take another toke

C. Daniels

[arrrrgon]

I'm amazed the word 'love' has not appeared once in this thread!

But re: the question, I think the answer is going to be different for each couple, and may also be different at different times of the relationship for any particular couple. The two members of the couple might even have fairly different ideas about what makes their relationship precious to each of them. To paraphrase Bill Clinton(!) marriages are a mysterious thing.

I just thought that love was a given.