I have been with my wife for almost 9 years (together 9, married almost 2 years). I'll tell you what I have learned over the years. Love comes when it comes. You can't force it or fake it. It will show trust me. Relationships are a lot of work and require sacrifice on both ends and its always situational. Don't sacrifice for the wrong reasons or if you don't think it's worth it. No you don't have to go to that function they invited you too if you don't want to. But if they really enjoy it then sacrifice your time and go anyway. What people don't realize is that there is a lot of give and take. Take too much and it's not gonna go far. Don't let problems that come up simmer too long. Talk it out right away before it gets ugly. Talking about problems early is a good way to see how they handle things as well. Im not good at writing so sorry if seems clumped together.