A healthy situationship has been described as a cross between a friendship and a romantic relationship. Everyone understands that this is temporary and that it is for companionship purposes only.

But lasting relationships rarely begin that way. In fact, the couples who thrive long term usually share a very different story. One quote captures it beautifully: “I didn’t find ‘the one.’ I found someone I respected, and together we built a relationship that made them the one.”