Dear T-dub,

Roughly equivalent intelligence and ambition are important as the "honeymoon" phase ends

First of all, I agree with 100% of the things that Sabrina, Noey, and Saibhin have said, but I'd like to add a few more constants and/or variables into the equation:

Equal Intelligence

I completely agree – but more than intelligence has to be equal.

First of all, relationships tend to be more successful if both partners are of roughly equal intelligence.

Shaggy you are so right, mismatched noggin activity can be a problem.

I know it sounds horribly elitist at first, but when disparity between intelligence levels exists, it really can create problems once the "honeymoon" phase is over.

Accusations of Condescension

The less intelligent one will likely accuse the other of being condescending or talking over their head once the awe and fascination with their partner's fund of knowledge wears off.

Longing for Challenging Discussion

And the more intelligent one will quickly tire of the other person's topics of conversation, which may sound rudimentary or trivial: he or she may long for more challenging discussion.

Equal Ambition

You're so right – my ex husband has no ambition.

The other important thing is that both people are of roughly equal ambition. Nothing bothers a go-getter more than someone who is content with just sliding by.

All of this is irrelevant, because caring is the main thing.

It's easier to remain hand-in-hand when you're both walking in the same direction.

– Shaggy