(play the song while reading this thread for added lovey dovey effect!)
Thanks everyone for your valuable input!
Tell me if I'm wrong, but for most of everyone and anyone in the happiest long term relationships, I am guessing that the 'being in love' stage may just be during the 'honeymoon period', and if everything goes perfectly, the couple will be 'loving' each other for the rest of their lives.
For some, the complex logistics may force a compromise. External factors may not allow you to end up with the sweetheart of your dreams (and that is if that person does exist - a debatable point), but with a spouse whom you see more as a friend, but these relationships can last a lifetime and fulfill many aspects expected in a relationship - it may not be bliss, but stable, happy and functional.
For some, they may end up with their ultimate sweetheart, but unfortunately both just cannot exist with stability in a marriage or 'marriage like' arrangement.
The complex interaction of multifactorial factors makes it difficult to successfully predict the outcome of any relationship.
Personally, I believe that spousal type of love is only a luxury and not needed. So if love is elusive for you, don't feel down - you don't need it.