[MonkeyMama]

I think it's more work than luck, but a little but of both.

I think there's a lot of people I couldn't stay married to no matter how hard I tried. Well, I know. So I think in luck of terms of people that don't court long enough before marriage, or ignore all their problems before marriage, etc.

I also come from the perspective of youth. I agree with time people change and grow apart, etc. So I think luck plays more into it in the long run. It's also a lot more work for the long haul.

I also have quite a few friends who come from other countries where arranged marriages are common. For an arranged marriage to work, takes much work. But I think it shows, with work, almost any marriage can work. (On the flip side, there is a lot more thought put into arranged marriages than a lot of people put into marriage these days. You can argue that).

I feel lucky I met my most compatible spouse when I was 17. My parents met quite young as well. I also felt lucky I realized and didn't screw it up. I was just a kid. I am not sure I agree you are lucky to meet the right person. But I admit we w ere lucky to meet so young. On the flip side, you make your own luck. I have too many friends who fall into the same relationship traps over and over and over, and don't get out there and meet new guys. You make your own luck in a sense. If you are not willing to compromise on anything, you will never meet "the one."