Apart from marriage, or some intensely committed long-term relationship that generally tends to represent marriage at its core, there looms one question about relationships that last: why bother? Why put yourself through such an emotional roller-coaster only to see (in just about every case) the relationship that you have worked so hard to preserve crumble and burn into a pile of pain and suffering? Is it truly worth putting your heart on the line when it is so likely that you will be left with nothing but the broken pieces? I've heard the reasons behind long-term relationships range from the constant opportunity for sex to the idea that over time being with someone is simply easier than not being with them. While I'm sure that these sort of relationships are prevalent, I like to think that they can be so much more. Call me naive, but I believe that humans are capable of relationships, outside the confines of marriage, that amount to more than a shallow desire for sex or a simple insecurity attempting to avoid loneliness.
At the center of the idea is the obvious notion the we need one another. It is generally true that humans are happiest when interacting. There is a reason why social networking sites are so popular; they hone one's ability to communicate. Of course it is true that interaction can come from a variety of places. From simple day to day conversation, to constant discussions with friends, there are many opportunities to be with other people. Despite this, in today's culture more and more people are talking, while fewer and fewer are taking the time to listen. This I believe is what any meaningful relationship can provide. The ability to confide in someone that understands you on a profoundly deep level. You see, in a relationship both of you offer support for the other. Right or wrong, insignificant, or incredibly meaningful, one has an outlet to express their thoughts and opinions.
It is this notion that makes a relationship possibly worth all the time and trouble. I'm not saying that this always works, but there is always that potential; a potential that will never be realized if one is too focused on the mindless sex or simple comfort of being with someone.
At the center of the idea is the obvious notion the we need one another. It is generally true that humans are happiest when interacting. There is a reason why social networking sites are so popular; they hone one's ability to communicate. Of course it is true that interaction can come from a variety of places. From simple day to day conversation, to constant discussions with friends, there are many opportunities to be with other people. Despite this, in today's culture more and more people are talking, while fewer and fewer are taking the time to listen. This I believe is what any meaningful relationship can provide. The ability to confide in someone that understands you on a profoundly deep level. You see, in a relationship both of you offer support for the other. Right or wrong, insignificant, or incredibly meaningful, one has an outlet to express their thoughts and opinions.
It is this notion that makes a relationship possibly worth all the time and trouble. I'm not saying that this always works, but there is always that potential; a potential that will never be realized if one is too focused on the mindless sex or simple comfort of being with someone.
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