Happily (?) married!!!!!!

"When two atoms come together, initially there is attraction, until they come too close and there is enormous repulsion" I was explaining bond formation and Vander Waal’s forces to my freshmen students in class.
"Sounds like the relationships with my girlfriends" sniggered Zach nudging his neighbor with his elbow.
Americans.....I sighed to myself, feeling glad that at least we Indians have some moral standing where relationships are concerned.
However, of late, certain unpleasant truths revealed themselves which made me reconsider my very strong beliefs. Most of my friends are in their early or mid twenties and are either married or about to be married. When I see them on the phone with their respective fiancés or hear their zealous professions of love, a part of me feels so refreshed and happy. It is as if seeing someone else in love reinforces my faith in true love. Even the little tiffs and squabbles seem so endearing that I gladly play agony aunt for the whole lot of them. "He went out for lunch with a girl today" sniffed my friend on my shoulder “I am calling off the engagement right away". An hour later she called up to say that her fiancé sent her flowers and so they decided to kiss and make-up! Quite adorable, methinks!
When, what does one do when she finds out that the two people who appear so madly in love aren’t so madly in love? Well, at least one of them isn’t! The knight in shinning armor comes to town and, instead of meeting his fiancé, philanders around with his ex-girlfriend. My friend is almost hysterical wondering where he is, fearing some mishap, and he is in a hotel room two miles away with another woman. I was speechless with shock, especially because the poor, unsuspecting girl has no clue about it till this day!
Today I had the misfortune of over-hearing another unpleasant conversation between another such 'lovey-dovey' couples where the girl was accusing the boy of being insensitive towards her, although he was financially obligated to her family. It was as if he had to marry her as to repay his debt to her family. I mighty hefty price, I would say!
These incidents make me wonder whether the concept of falling in love and living happily ever after is a myth altogether. When two people come very close to one another, there is bound to be a lot of friction. At this point, if they move apart, there is always the sweet longing of unfulfilled love. However, if they stick together, in spite of everything, then do things get so unpleasant that the togetherness is a mere formality? Does the flame get completely extinguished to the point that nothing can rekindle it again?
So does it make sense to move apart gracefully or is it more practical to stick together until the relationship degrades to a perfunctory duty? These questions will remain unanswered to me for a very long time, I am afraid.........