Ha, no, I'm old(ish) and long term means 30 years for me too :) Notice, I did not use the phrase "common interests"; my use of "interests" is in the sense of e

Ha, no, I'm old(ish) and long term means 30 years for me too :) Notice, I did not use the phrase "common interests"; my use of "interests" is in the sense of exchange: you get something and I get something in return. Equivalently, this same exchange can be described as an "alignment of values" or "alignment of outlooks" since sharing a value or a lens on the world with someone is a special pleasure and is something you get out of a relationship. I think two people committing to each other and valuing their commitment certainly qualifies as "alignment of values" contributing to the positive side of the relationship ledger.