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3 Problems With Chasing ‘Happily Ever After’ (and What You Should Do Instead)

“Ultimately, that ‘happily ever after’ story is just a feeling people are chasing.”

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In dating, we often search for our “happily ever after”—but is that a realistic or even healthy goal? 

Marriage and long-term commitments aren’t always sunshine and rainbows, and we must anticipate the many challenges we’ll inevitably face. Even the healthiest relationships have rough patches.

Not to mention, the idea of a “happily ever after” ending can imply dissatisfaction or unfulfillment in the present moment. Until we reach said goal, which in this case is usually a long-term relationship/marriage, we must be miserable and yearning for more.

Here are the downsides of “happily ever after” thinking—and how this mindset might tarnish a healthy, authentic connection.

1. It Causes You to Pathologize Normal Relationships

Dr. Sabrina Romanoff, relationship expert at Hily Dating App and Harvard-trained clinical psychologist, says the “happily ever after” mentality often causes people to pathologize normal relationship experiences. 

“When couples hit their first real argument, their first........

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