Generally it seems both are grad students, or at the very least, met in school and the relationship has an academic foundation. Imagine having a partner to wad

Generally it seems both are grad students, or at the very least, met in school and the relationship has an academic foundation. Imagine having a partner to wade through such an experience who can relate, is pushing you, helping you see your blind spots, quelling your doubts/fears, and in general cheering for your success. And then the clarity you get for doing the same for them. There's also the extra level of responsibility that marriage entails, that forces one to 'grow up', for want of a better expression.