Thanks for a good thread, mrsltg. I was thinking the same thing recently.
Happily, we will celebrate 18 years this September. Now, it hasn't always been easy. We've argued, fought, yelled, said things to each other that we've later regretted. We've had good times and not so good times. We've weathered pressures of very stressful jobs, raising 2 children, building a house, etc. But in the end, we love each other as much, if not more, than when we first met, even if the nature of our love is different now. It is a quieter, softer love, one that doesn't need fireworks every night. It is more of a mutual feeling of "connectedness" that binds us together more tightly than ever. Yes, we are not perfect, and our marriage is not either, but in the end, we would much rather be with each other than without each other. I am more and more convinced that this is the man that I want to spend the rest of my life with, and I am sure he feels the same as me.
Wanted to add: I think the most important thing in determining a good marriage is picking the right person from the beginning. Then, keeping good communications open at all times, and a sense of humor to keep the relationship strong!!
Happily, we will celebrate 18 years this September. Now, it hasn't always been easy. We've argued, fought, yelled, said things to each other that we've later regretted. We've had good times and not so good times. We've weathered pressures of very stressful jobs, raising 2 children, building a house, etc. But in the end, we love each other as much, if not more, than when we first met, even if the nature of our love is different now. It is a quieter, softer love, one that doesn't need fireworks every night. It is more of a mutual feeling of "connectedness" that binds us together more tightly than ever. Yes, we are not perfect, and our marriage is not either, but in the end, we would much rather be with each other than without each other. I am more and more convinced that this is the man that I want to spend the rest of my life with, and I am sure he feels the same as me.
Wanted to add: I think the most important thing in determining a good marriage is picking the right person from the beginning. Then, keeping good communications open at all times, and a sense of humor to keep the relationship strong!!
Oh, did I say that out loud? 
and will be married 14 years in June. We made it through the teen years, and through the years right after the kids left the house. Both times rough on a marriage! Now I think that we are stronger than ever.
