I met my husband when I was 18 and married when I was 24. At that age, it was being on the same wavelength and being attracted to what each of us brought to the table. But as life happened, we realized we wanted different things from life. I knew I wanted a partner who was present, but too naive to know to that what I wanted was an "emotionally present" partner. The more he got into his career, the more absent he was for me.

Yes, I too envy the high school or college sweethearts. I thought I had found my soul mate but he ended up being the soul crusher for two decades.

There is no such thing as a "perfect" partner as it takes two people to be willing to constantly work at the relationship and grow (old) together. I am glad you found someone forever.