Steve and I have been "boyfriend/girlfriend" since we were 11 years old.
We'll be married 25 years this June.
I can't give you his point of view (unless I go ask him and then come back to type it, which is just too much trouble right now and "of course" his answer would be a commited relationship lol) but as for myself, nothing has been more worthwhile to me than having a lasting relationship with somone I can truly call me friend. He can tell me I "look fat in that" and I know he's being honest.
I've seen childhood friends go through divorce and custody battles - drug and alcohol abuse in order to deal - failed relationship after failed relationship. Some seem to be so far beyond being frustrated and lonely that they are ready to be left alone for the rest of their lives. Others seem to be content with having an occasional partner for sex that knows where the door is and when to leave.
Just ask yourself what you want to look back on when you are eighty. It should make the decision pretty easy, either way.
Unfortunately, finding someone you can tolerate that long is another story!
(I know, they have to be able to tolerate you too, I was j/k).