Good Is?

What are good partners? First, they must love. Next, they need to be honest and reasonably compatible but the list after the first requirement, varies. Sometimes you look around and wonder why on earth, a certain couple works. "Works" means that they have discovered a personal bonding that  defies  definition and they continue along in spite of the odds. What "works" holds them together and often times, it is completely incongruous with all the generally accepted rules. There are people, historically, who allow a lover in the mix. Many of the royals, high political figures and even some of our heroes have survived third party indulgence but continue to be tied for a lifetime.  There are some couples who have great distance and time between them but stay close. Love and the success of its being is a mysterious element. In a heterogeneous relationship, traditionally, the differences between men and women and how they love is challenging. Women  love long while men, love as long as they do. Taking a look at the animal world for proof doesn't help much either. Even animals that "mate for life" have their weak moments much as some people who love the one they're near if they're not near the one they love. The temptations are tests. Do you risk losing  your partner or do you deny passion? Often these affairs turn into lasting relationships stronger than the one before. Then there are the hard times outside a relationship, when lives are turned upside down and the stress of it blows them apart. Most often, fortunately, the glue that a couple has is what gets them through the worst times of their lives. Physical ailments can interfere and gradually wear down the relationship.  Alzheimers, accidental injuries, strokes or mortal diseases can either cement or melt a bond. To see someone gently tending a victim of circumstance, is proof of the extent of the endless scope of love. Love is often times a rather battered and torn thing, but its victory is endurance.  If you find a partner with whom love for you is present and lasting, you have found life's greatest gift. Treasure it long.