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What sustains a loving relationship?

What is the relationship between love and marriage? Do they necessarily occur together? Such questions often surface during social discussions. Instead of answering these questions, I usually ask further questions such as: which one comes first? Which leads to the other? In an ideal condition, there is a strong relationship between the two. Compassion, caring, and giving are essential features of a loving relationship. However, if there is no love, the relationship becomes difficult to survive. Stubbornness and turning a blind eye to some aspects of the partner’s behaviour can weigh down the other person. But when people are bonded through marriage, compromise and adjustments offer them a reason to sail together. 
 
- Ahmed Omar Balhamar is an architect in the UAE.