Long Term Relationships Can Go Bust

When I was growing up, I didn't hear a lot about relationships that went bust, at least not long term relationships. It seemed to me that the longer two people were together, the better their chances were of having a strong relationship. I cite for example my parents. Over thirty years together, and they're still going strong. But lately it seems that I see more long term relationships go bust.

The first I saw disintegrate was my best friend's. He and his high school sweetheart were together in school for over six years. The met in high school, stayed together all through college, and were destined for marriage. Or so everyone thought. They looked perfect together. They got married, and five days later, she through him out of the house. A few weeks and two lawyers later, and they were officially divorced. We were all stunned.

Another stunner for me was my friend Carrie's parents. They had been married for over twenty years. (I think over twenty five, but I can't remember.) They went through a lot: layoffs, splitting the family so the dad could work in another city. But it appeared to be working. Then, one day out of the blue, Carrie calls me and tells me that her mom caught her dad cheating. Several months later and that relationship was over.

Just a couple of days ago, one of my former downstairs neighbors apparently split with her long-time boyfriend. Like my best friend, she had been with him for years, ever since school. Then, all of a sudden, I see on Facebook that both have changed their relationship statuses to single. I chatted with her and found out it was true. Again, a total shock!

Long-term relationships that go bust are shocking to me, and they also scare me. I want a relationship that will last the rest of my or her life, whichever of us goes first. But every time I see a relationship from a seemingly strong couple that implodes like this it just makes me cringe. Do I want to expose myself to that kind of emotional stress? I guess I don't really get a choice if I really want to get married.