Yes , for it to be the "fairytale" relationship . It doesn't end when one of the partnership passes . It's accepted that nothing could replace what's gone before . I don't see it as a religious experience ( of course I wouldn't , I'm not religious ) , more of an acceptance that once achieved it can't be replicated .
I won't bang on about my own relationship , that gets boring and would sound conceited. But we do compare our relationship to my wife's grandparents . They met and married at the same age as us 22 and 19. They lived until they were 97 and 94 in a special bond . They did need some assistance in their later years , but lived the whole time independently in their lifelong home . They were the perfect couple , so well matched and dedicated to one another .The female passed away first , no drawn out illness , just died at home . The male then helped to put there affairs in order and arrange her funeral . Attended that funeral and spoke remarkably on the day . He then went to the large gathering after and socialised with the guests of the funeral . He then sat down in a chair in a quiet spot as the celebration of her life wound up ..and then just died without fuss or suffering from a brain bleed . The perfect end to a perfect relationship .
If we all could be so lucky .
My wife and I have discussed what will happen when one of us dies in the future . If that be tomorrow or in 50 years . We both agree that the other will just live their remaining life out as best they can . There won't be any " other " relationship apart from friends . Hopefully there will be happiness by staying busy and doing constructive things .That's the price you pay for getting it right the first time . It's a price I will be happy to pay if it comes to it . We already have our forever after now . You can't have two of those . Or at least that's how we see it .