For better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health...

I guess at the end of the day, all that really matters are the fundamentals.

The looks will go one day. That is a fact.

There would inevitably be things that you discover about them that may not be as perfect as you imagined in the beginning (as we are wont to expect it to be when starting a relationship).

The circumstances may not be perfect either. Sometimes it may be easy, other times it's difficult as hell. And it may not always be nice on either of you.

If one were to be too fixated on the notion that everything has to go exactly as planned, and to continue to be obsessed with those initial expectations, it would take its toll on each other. Thus it would, regrettably though not unexpectedly, fail.

The point to the whole thing is that you have to look past the warts and wrinkles. Accept the idiosyncrasies, and their fears and insecurities. Be okay with the stupid things they may do sometimes. Still find the joy and comfort in being with them even if it means on some days they will have bad days that will affect you (as you will also have bad days that affect them). Accept the variables they may bring to your life that may complicate it (as you certainly bring some to theirs). Deal with those difficult situations together and never walk away. Care and listen when they're trying to tell you something even when your instinct is to shut it out. Make an effort once in a while and not take them for granted.

At the same time, in their presence be able to feel relaxed and not have to care about the mundane day-to-day responsibilities that all too often wear us down in life, especially on the days you really need to feel that way. To be comfortable with your fears and insecurities when you are with them. Maybe, even because you are with them.

Seems like a fairly long list of things to ponder. Impossibly daunting, almost.

But again, I guess it boils down to the basic, fundamental thing.

And that is just to love them.