A good and long lasting marriage requires only three things on both sides

Total honesty
Complete trust
And a determination to provide both

Divorce is always the result of
Lies
Betrayal
and/or indifference

@LenHazell53 Well said. I was going to respond, but your response was simple, clear and better than mine, which would have been along the same lines.

I think optimism can just be hoping for the best without denying actual reality.

@snytiger6 It can be that too, but I've observed a number of times over the years where certain optimistic outlooks did not align with what reality had to say on the matter(s).

@SpikeTalon Yeah. I grew up in the Mormon church, and most members held an unrealistic optimistic outlook that if they just did as the church said, their life would improve greatly. However, in reality, many of the issues in their lives and with their children were a direct result of church doctrines and dogma that didn't align with the real world and actual reality. So, I think I understand what you mean. Unchecked optimistic belief can lead to a denial of realities.

@snytiger6 Religion brainwashing people would surely be one example.