I think there's a million ways to have a relationship, and people should do what works for them. There's some indication that the seven year itch is a real thing. The traditional marriage arrangment definitely doesn't work for everyone. I do think however, life long relationships, whether that be friends or spouses, are important to having a full life.

Frankly for a lot of us, life is too challenging to not have a partner. Families can't exist anymore on one income. Hell I live in NYC and have a good job, but I still wouldn't be able to afford my lifestyle and be comfortable without a partner.

Ultimately it comes down to whatever works for you individually. Maybe you'd just do better to just have some soild friendships and a series of lovers. I think because of societial pressure it's hard for people to really understand and accept what they personally want. But, if you can idenify that, there is a whole world of people out there and in it are others looking for the same.