The question is this: Are the costs in time, energy, and commitment worth the rewards in the relationship? Both partners must put much of themselves and their resources into the relationship. That is the "cost" of the relationship. The "rewards" are all the things that make the relationship enjoyable and satisfying. If the ratio between the costs and rewards are not equal for both partners, one partner eventually is going to feel ripped-off and feel used. It is going to be an unequal and unfair relationship. Continuation of the relationship will not be satisfying and will not be a wise investment for the one on the short end.
If the costs versus rewards ratio is unfair, stress and resentment will cause daily emotional discomfort and eventually disease and an early death. The correlation between happy marriages and good health is high. Likewise, the correlation between unhappy marriages and poor health is also high.
A survey of 127,545 people in 1999-2002 conducted by the U.S. National Center for Health Statistics, a part of the U.S. federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, reports that married people are healthier than other adults. The association between marital status and health persists in all socio-economic and education levels. Married people also reported less low back pain, fewer headaches and less psychological stress.
A happy and loving relationship is priceless for insuring longevity and good health. It is well worth working hard to create and continue the best relationship possible.