Support != dependence. It's as simple as someone who gives a shit about you beyond the level a room-mate would. I don't need my wife to get through life. But it's nice when she wishes me luck, or comforts me when something goes bad. And vice versa.
> No no no! This is the path to misery and unhappiness.
Disagree strongly. If I say, decide unilaterally to move to NY for a job (without the wife's approval), we're going to be unhappy. Compromise = putting the marriage first = trying to avoid when your wants/success directly conflicts with your partner's.
> Your interests should coincide! They should be mutually shared! The success of any partnership is based on common interests
Please, no 2 people have the same interests. Some shared goals are of course important (do both people want kids, want to live in the same country, enjoy certain activities together?), but they can enjoy different interests and get along. For example, when I play golf my wife will go on a spa date with a girlfriend or something...
> A healthy marriage is where you can make the other person happy
Fixed it.
> So many talented, ambitious people have failed marriages because they over-think things.
I'd say more likely because they pursue their own goals to the detriment of their relationships (and it's not always romantic partners, sometimes it's family and friends).