do relationships have a natural expiry date?

I don't think it has to be that way. You can have great, long lasting relationships. But it is rare because it is so much work.

Why do relationships fail?

I think that people can sometimes grow apart, head in different directions, become too "comfortable" with each other that they forget to be polite, or fail to take the time to commit to a relationship. It takes work, a lot of work, to stay in tune. I think most people can only really handle two, maybe three significant relationships at one time.

What kind of relationship doesn't "expire?"

When you find someone who is always willing to listen, who values your relationship above work or any other distraction (to a point, of course you live in the real world, too), and who is always thinking up surprises for you and little ways to say "I love you"---then you are in a relationship that will last for years. If you can go to Walmart or the grocery store and have a blast doing nothing, you're with someone special. This can be your mom, your child, your sweetheart, your best friend. You just have to be committed.

Unfortunately, timing is often a detriment; we cannot always commit so much to a relationship. Sometimes, when its wrong, you feel smothered or ignored. And then the relationship runs its course, or you spend a lot of time feeling neglected or avoiding interaction. Make sure you are happy with YOU before you commit to others. It is the best way to ensure successful relationships; don't look to another person to fulfill you. It's not their job; it's yours. So many people overlook this and expect Prince Charming to come in, sweep them off their feet, pay all the bills, and entertain them night after night. This is when you better find a hobby!

So keeping looking for the sweet milk---and remember, sometimes the outside package isn't nearly as beautiful as the inside, and visa versa---everyone gets older, sags, snores, whatever!

Agree. Because I haven't got a r/ship that didn't end! (At least for BGR). Relationships are used to "test waters" for compatibility before having a life long commitment. In between, you're bound to keep thinking (sometimes) that something better may come along. But of course, such a thinking is never healthy, it will only drive the r/ship to its end faster. Reasons for r/ships to end, are never ending ... But when you find the one that doesn't have an expiry date, then, congratulations, you've found The One. R/ships are not goods, they do not have a fixed expiry date the moment they are manufactured, you will only know if there will be an expiry date as you go along ... And perhaps there IS an expiry date, the day I die. =\

NO!!! I would have to say that you are hanging around the wrong people. I know people that have been married for 10-15 years and they don't have expiration date on the marriage. You grow in your relationships (that might be the "slightly off" part) and that should give you the opportunity to really see and enjoy the person that you are with, not try and change them and make them something that is more suitable for you.

I don't think it has a "natural expiry date" but I do believe it works like machinery, wears off over time, you need to keep oiling it to keep it moving and polish it to make it shine. A relationship can become dry overtime, but as long as the parties involve constantly do something to "oil" it, it will last. There's no relationship that can survive just on love or chemistry, you need committment, trust, faith, creativity and innovation to keep it alive.

Not especialy. This deals with selecting your true mate, some people dont quite get it right. Yes some arguments are bound to arise i think thats human nature, but the scale on which that happens depends on what kidn of feelings you share for one another.

I agree with Royalhinney 100%. My wife and I loved each other very much. We were madly in love with each other. The only thing that ended our marriage was cancer. I think you want an excuse, but I could be wrong.

That happens alot because American society tells you to act on your feelings instead of acting so you can feel. Couples stop feeling love after awhile because they stop acting like they love the other person. If you do loving things towards the other person, even when you don't feel like you love them, you will start feeling love again.

Nope, I haven't. However, maybe you have a certain timeline set in your mind for how long your relationships last.

For some it's soon, for some the expiration date is death.

Grow UP hootie. No there is no expiration date.