That's a great way of thinking about it and very well articulated too. I don't care if people call it a marriage or last in a job for 40 years. I think there's a broader lack of commitment these days. Your story of 10 years with your partner is in my mind the same as a long-term relationship commitment, whether marriage or otherwise. That I totally get. You wake up everyday and resist any temptations of choice. Which is what real commitment is all about in a way - formalized or not!

You have a great story too and a great partner who's been there all this while - and the wonderful kids (took the liberty to read a bit abt you)