We've been married for 42 years to my best friend and soulmate (btw hubby is a marriage counselor). There have been plenty of “for worse” times which served to make us stronger. I think the thing that keeps us together is that there are three entities: me, him and the relationsip. All 3 need nurturing. We adopted 2 special needs kids who also needed nurturing. We bought a house that needed work. See the pattern? We all have needs. It's our committment to nurture each other and the relationship. Sometimes the relationship takes priority over individual desires. Marriage isn't 50/50. it's 100/100. All the time. I nurture him. He nurtures me. We also take responsibilty to nurture ourselves and the relationship. I'm not saying it's easy; but it's worth it. We have a shared spirituality. I can't imagine not having that. We are now planning for old age; retirement, wills, estate plans, end of life medical decisions. It's been a life well lived. As a couple it's important to keep in mind the big picture. At the end, what do you want your life to have looked like? Let that guide you. This is what has worked for us. I wish you the future you desire.