This is a topic I’m very interested in. Investing in a relationship is hard work sometimes. Taking the rough with the smooth, communication about issues, that sort of thing. If you grew up with shit examples of relationships and parenting then it can become a default program for yourself as well, and it sometimes takes hard work and guts to break the mould. People don’t know how to do it, therapy can be costly and time consuming, and people tend to believe that if a good relationship doesn’t come easily then it’s not worth it.

Also it must be said: some relationships do not survive long after the early passionate heat of sexual discovery makes way for the place where companionship grows.