Guest h, if the love was real, as you say, ways to overcome those obstacles might have been found. As long as there is love, and two people agree that they want to get along, it can be done. But it is work. Even love won't stick around without work. I am sorry that it didn't work out for you.

My SO is older than me; we have been together almost 15 years. I would not want to be single again, but once or twice I have wondered if I wouldn't have been as happy with a different person. However, I've heard the grass only appears to be greener, and isn't necessarily so.

A relationship is hard work, even after 15 years. Once in awhile I might like to be lazy.