Is have children necessary for a long-term relationship?

[InbetweenDreams]

I don't think it is necessary. However the opposite of your question is very true, a long term relationship in my opinion is necessary to have children. On other words ones should be ready to settle down with their partner before they have kids.

I don't think I would rely on having kids as a bonding factor in a relationship. If there are problems in the relationship having kids would bring it to the surface quicker. Usually there's a bit more stress, financial hurdles that come from having kids.