It's fine, I've accepted it long ago. It's more a matter of convenience and necessity at this point, I'm not sure either of us could do as well alone, financially or socially, and we have a kid to consider. I think we've each bent our expectations to accept what the other offers. I always hoped for a partner who was available for sex often, and had certain physical and personality traits that she doesn't offer at this point. She hoped for someone more affectionate and thoughtful than I have the ability to be. Both of us probably get just enough to get by on and remain somewhat content.

Specifically for me though, I guess I am a pessimist and never really believed in the cliches of "love at first sight", "we were meant for each other", "soul mates" etc. I guess I figure it is enough to be with a caring and trustworthy person with whom you can coexist well most of the time. Sometimes I run mental experiments and I take note of the mannerisms of other women I encounter in public or even on the internet, and for the most part I think to myself "wow I am sure glad I don't have to start dating and looking for a mate now, there is no way I would be able to deal with most of this stuff".