Search Results: Marriage

I have been dating my boyfriend for almost 5 years, we went through a lot and marriage talk is on the table (we are early 30s). He has a female friend that he has known for many years, they don’t see each other often but I wonder if I’m paranoid. She is married with kids now but has always been “the cool girl who is accomplished”. He tried to move 3 times to her city (she has moved over the years for better career/family etc), convincing me it is a better option too (and they are in some ways). I felt he is comparing me to her. During one group dinner with friends, we talked about ring and he grabbed her hand to look at her ring, then told me how great of a pick it is. To add the cherry on top of everything, the waiter thought she was his wife when he came take our order (there were a table full of people and can be hard to tell). Since she is married I don’t think they are ever possible but it still makes me paranoid. She is cute but I think I’m better looking objectively, so I also don’t want to come off pathetic and jealous for no reason. Does he like her and should I address it?

Do most relationships have that or can it jump straight into deep connections, compatible goals, genuine affection, loyalty, respect and deep love, not just admiration and feeling the highs.

Do you really need to be infatuated to have a successful long-term relationship or it leading to marriage? Or can you just love them a lot, without that first stage? Is infatuation important? I heard that can actually blind you and not let you make better judgements of that person since you're thinking they're perfect and they're not.