Though you may want perfection and a fairytale life, real life is not that way. But if you can get through the bumps in your relationship it is possible to Grow Old Along With Thee. Of course, some steps of this life cycle may be skipped, but you should always aspire to a long term committed and loving relationship with your life companion.
Meeting - Before you can enter into a relationship, you need to meet. In the 21st century, you can as often meet electronically as meet in person. You can get to know one another as much as possible through phone calls, emails and letters, but you can't date till you meet in person.
Dating - Spend time together and see that you have common interests and aspirations. Make sure that you can make each other laugh.
Breakups - Hopefully you don't fall apart from one another. This is not necessarily the end of your relationship, as make-ups do happen. However, if the relationship is not for the long haul, just restart/continue the meeting and dating stages.
Makeups - Often, after time apart, or even after seeing other people, you reconnect because you both realize that what was good is still good.
The Engagement - This stage is entered as you realize that you love each other, that you can live together and would possibly like to have a family (generally). Also, you'll need to be of like mind with regards to combining your finances. While the wedding is typically at least a year down the road, you have at this stage chosen each other as your life companion.
Start of a Marriage - The Wedding or Commitment - Here is the legal or spiritual joining of you as partners and often the joining of your families. Celebrate this special milestone with friends and family. You will be supporting each other through triumphs and crises both emotionally and financially.
Keeping House - this is when you and your partner pool financial resources and live together. Among other things, you'll raise your children, furnish your home, go grocery shopping and eat your meals together.
Having a Family - Not all couples have children but they are a wondrous addition for most. Your relationship will generally be strengthened as you learn the ropes and love of parenthood.
Keeping it Fresh - Keep "dating" and take vacations together (with and without the kids). Maybe take up ball-room dancing or run a marathon together. Remember each other's birthdays and your anniversaries but also surprise one another with a small gift, flowers, theater tickets or a candlelit dinner whenever the mood arises.
Grow Old Along with Thee - You know each other so well, finish each others sentences and are just plain comfortable with each other. This isn't possible for all relationships but is wonderful if it happens. And, if you are fortunate, remember that "the best is yet to be".