When it comes to love, is intensity or permanence more important to you? Would you embark on a long and wonderful love that you knew would end in painful betrayal?

Look… I’m sure I’m the last person who should be answering this question. I’ve never been in a position where I have loved someone and had that love returned. I’ve experienced the occasional unrequited crush, sure. But when it comes to a romantic relationship with anyone… hasn’t happened. I don’t think it’s in the cards for me.

That said, I would much rather have the permanence than the intensity. I mean, I’m sure the intensity is a lot of fun early on in a relationship. But I’ve witnessed enough relationships (of others) to know that it never lasts and if you don’t have something else to latch onto with each other, you’re just a match that lights up and burns out quickly. I’d rather know that we’re both in it for the long haul… a slow burn, if you will.

Maybe that’s just how I feel about it at my age. If I were younger, maybe I’d feel differently and would be more interested in the quick and intense passionate relationship. But, no… I’m getting too old for that stuff.

But what about you? Are you a long haul kind of relationship seeker or do you prefer the intensity that comes with a flash fire? Let me know what you think down in the comments!

*The Question of the Week can be found in The Book of Questions by Gregory Stock, Ph.D.