Sometimes I think that if you have qualities, characteristics, sensibilities, flaws, brainwaves and desires that happen to genuinely match very well. If you understand each other with so much ease that you can't properly remember what it felt like not to have them as a constant friend. If you developed closeness over time on top of a deep strong sense that something was 'right' about the union, not from butterflies and blinding physical sensations first... Then, you both just know.
It doesn't matter that everyone else would think you're stupid/wrong, that the majority of relationships don't last so statistically speaking yours probably won't. I think some people are just more intuitive, know the parameters: what could happen, how much they are willing to work and for which reasons, to which ends. A -realistic- genuine understanding of themselves and the other person. Realistic being the most important part.
I have been with my current boyfriend for 16 months. We grow closer and stronger every day. We get further in everything we want to do with our lives personally, every sphere is improved. I have never been happier. I'm even much more physically healthy than I've ever been before.
We have had arguments about various things, it's a healthy part of any kind of relationship. Learning about each other, being closely involved with someone, is an active process that continuously involves miscommunications and flares of upset - but they're always so quickly and fully resolved. It's such a pleasure overall.
We will probably get married fairly soon, in a registery office with no trimmings - just need to be able to afford rings and outfits, basically (so 'soon' can be taken quite loosely, could be years yet while we concentrate on other things/university). Starting the beginning of a life together with a full commitment, before we start building everything. It is just our style. It's not right for everyone, but we believe it is the right lifestyle choice for us. We could be wrong.
We're both 20.