What is a "successful relationship?"

[Whit]

From Juju:
Whit is concerned about being insensitive? What the hell is this world coming to?

      Feh, of course I'm concearned about it. Rudness could derail what would be an otherwise interesting thread. Also, I like UT enough to be nice. Thirdly, if you notice I didn't apologize, I just explained my position. Which UT accepted I might add. So, no insensitivity problem here.

      So, HP, why is it that a long relationship with small gains is considered more "successful" than a short one with large gains?
      I like the changing goals part. It suggests that two people should really stay together only as long as their goals may be furthered by continuing the relationship.
      Er ... maybe now is good time to mention, I'm pretty much a loner. I've had several serious relationships, but no marrige. The idea of marrige sounds a bit nutty to me. I say this so that you people understand the perspective I'm coming from.