Elle,
Thank you so much for your in-depth response and with sharing this personal bit about yourself. I am so happy to hear you found worth in the article, and enjoyed it. Of course, having written it, I totally agree with what you say.
Outward benchmarks of a relationship indicate almost nothing of the actual depth of feeling or true emotional commitment, not the love that exists (or not) between the two. You are so right.
I feel it is far better to buck societal pressure and go with what feels right for you and the relationship- regardless of others thoughts. Which of course, can sometimes be much easier said than done.
Thank you again for reading, Elle.