The simple answer is no! Love alone is not enough for a long-lasting and happy marriage. This is not to say that it is not an important; a marriage still needs some passion to succeed. However, there’s more to love and marriage than passion.

One very important aspect of marriage that is often overlooked by doe-eyed lovers is compatibility. People fall in love with other people who are their complete opposites all the time but that does not mean that they can have long and happy marriages with them.

The main reason for this is that chemistry deteriorates very quickly after marriage. It is therefore not a wise decision to base a life-long decision on a feeling that will probably completely disappear in a few years.

Compatibility, on the other hand, is more stable because it is based on the core values and lifestyle choices of the individuals. It is the basis for companionship and friendship in marriage.

People who are compatible have a high level of comfort with each other, have shared experiences and generally enjoy spending time together. They understand and respect each other due to their shared values, which is a good basis for love and marriage.

Can Compatibility be Cultivated?

Most of the detractors of compatibility argue that compatibility can be cultivated or developed. They argue that couples who are not very compatible can work together to come up with a mix of core values that they can build a happy married life around.

The truth, however, is that it is very difficult to be happy in a romantic relationship where you have to compromise your cores values. Those values are an important part of you and very closely tied to your belief system. Losing them can cause you to lose your sense of self.

For a couple to succeed in love and marriage, they need both chemistry and compatibility. Compatibility may be more important than chemistry but that is not to say that chemistry is not important.