When I was 20, I was getting into my first relationship. I was very serious about this woman. I don’t think I have ever loved anyone quite as intensely since then. I guess it’s not possible to have the kind of faith in someone that you could have before you’d ever been burned.
I had no idea the relationship wasn’t going to be forever. And I really can’t see how I’d know that with anyone else, since. I always go into relationships thinking it will last a very long time. I just don’t get involved with my intense emotions unless I really love the person.
Now, if I weren’t getting deeply involved, it would be a different thing. Casual dating. Having fun. Maybe some sex. I’ve done that, too. My next relationship after my first love was like that. Except she got more involved with me than I did with her.
I don’t think it makes sense to prejudge a relationship. I think you need to follow your feelings. Not just your emotions, but also your feelings about your plan for your life. Some relationships are intense and that is what you are looking for. Some are intense and you never expected it. Some are not intense and that is what you were looking for, and some are not intense and you had been hoping for intensity. There is no predicting, unless you are choosing highly inappropriate people to hang out with.
So I wouldn’t bother to say in advance what is going to happen. I would just take things as they come, and react authentically.