respond to discussion Some internal factors could include:

Communication issues

Long$-$ term goals

Work$-$Life balance

Expectations of one another

Financial stress

Illness

Jealousy

External factors could include:

Religious preferences

Family issues $($In$-$Laws$)$ not supportive of the situation

Societal Status $($trying to keep up with the Jones$)$

Work relocation

Increased Financial Burden to due economy or loss of employment

These are just a few factors that could affect the outcome of a relationship. It is imperative to fully understand each other before making such a large commitment. Having a spouse that supports every aspect of who you are as an individual and as a partner, I feel, could increase the success of the long$-$term relationship.