Next Boyfriend

Marriage & Long-Term · 5 min read

4 Criteria for Finding a Lifelong Partner | Psychology Today

We feel attraction and assume that will be enough. Maybe we love someone and think that love is all we need for a successful long-term relationship or marriage.

4 Criteria for Finding a Lifelong Partner | Psychology Today — Marriage & Long-Term article on Next Boyfriend

Staff Writer · May 21, 2026

Our take

Let's be real, ladies: we’ve all been there, swept off our feet by dazzling smiles, charming banter, and that undeniable spark. We believe that electric feeling, that "love at first sight" magic, is the golden ticket to forever. But as seasoned navigators of the dating landscape, we at Next Boyfriend know that while attraction is a fantastic starting point, it’s rarely the whole story for a thriving, lifelong partnership. This deep dive into Psychology Today's insights offers a crucial reality check, helping you move beyond fleeting infatuation to build a love that truly lasts.

Key takeaways

  • We've all been conditioned by rom-coms and fairytale endings to believe that love conqu

Beyond the "Spark": Why Love Isn't Always Enough

We've all been conditioned by rom-coms and fairytale endings to believe that love conqu

Questions about Marriage & Long-Term

What is the most common cause of divorce?

Surveys consistently point to gradual erosion — lack of commitment, persistent unresolved conflict, and growing apart — rather than single dramatic events. Infidelity appears frequently but often as a symptom of a relationship that had already disengaged.

Is the honeymoon phase supposed to end?

Yes. The neurochemistry of early infatuation is not sustainable and typically settles between one and two years. The transition to companionate love is not a failure; couples who expect it navigate it far better than couples who read it as lost love.

When should couples go to therapy?

Earlier than most do. The commonly cited figure is that couples wait around six years after problems surface. Counselling is most effective before contempt has set in, and treating it as maintenance rather than a last resort substantially improves outcomes.

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