while reading an article on soul
mate, i found one paragraph,stimulating thinking. I paste the same. This is from the website About.com
Perceive Relationship Endings Differently
Much importance is placed on relationship permanence in our society. It is often said that a relationship failed if it didn't last a lifetime. The (surprisingly) common expectation of being compatible with the same person for 60 years, while being the best you can be is ideal but outdated and usually unrealistic.