Cage
A D/S relationship is not really an alternative to a "normal" romantic relationship. It's just a very specific type of one. Some things are made easier by introducing a D/S structure. Some things are made more complicated -- like the question of "what happens when I'm not in the mood"? But all of the wisdom and best practices that can be used to build and maintain a good vanilla relationship apply to a good D/S relationship, too.
From a couple who is just starting to try and figure this out, thank you for putting these particular words out there.

Yeah, so my name is Cage and I'm a long-winded son of a bitch.
My thanks to you for this as well.

All the best-
tessa