latest relationship thoughts

i've developed a cold, rational view of romantic relationships:

• commitment device.  i don't believe a commitment is real unless you "pay" something.  weddings and rings are a form of payment.  the "celebration of love" part is just pr.
• project management.  i think goals and milestones are important.  so is developing a time line and plan of action to achieve those goals.  i get it now, when people talk about relationships as work.
• high expectations.  i used to think that being relaxed and undemanding ("low maintenance") was a good thing.  now, i feel like being "low maintenance" means you don't respect yourself enough.  i'm realizing that you have to hold your partner to high expectations.