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When do you know it's time to move on?

I'm always telling people (even when they don't ask for my advice) that they should never settle when it comes to romantic relationships. That's not to say that I expect perfection; I'm obviously flawed myself so that would be hypocritical. That said, when do you know that it's time to move on? For people who've experienced a significant break up, did you have a "light bulb moment," or did your discontent emerge and grow gradually (and cumulatively)? I feel like I'm at a crossroads. And for a bit more context, I do indeed love him. But does love truly conquer all? I know my questions and thoughts are all over the place, but I've been sitting on this for a while and could use a bit of advice.
Ontheroad · M
Here is what I do when I'm "all over the place" and because of that, I do nothing. I sit down and on a lined tablet make two columns. In this case the columns would be labeled with "Stay" and "Go". Then, in no particular order, you write down the reasons to stay and the reasons to go. Once you make the list, set it aside for a day and then at some point each day for the next couple of days you add to it (you won't get them all the first run through it).

Now comes the hard part, but the most important part. Detach yourself as best you can and look at, weigh and evaluate the two columns as if they were written by a good friend in exactly your situation, who had asked you for advice.

Don't, insofar as possible, add things to the "Stay" column that are "I can settle for this" things. This side of the page is only for things that absolutely make you want to stay, and are specific things. For example "he is a good guy" does not go there. If you feel/think this, list what makes him a good guy. Do the same on the other side. For example if you start to list a negative, be specific. Not "he gets angry". List exactly what he gets angry about and add to it whether or not you have talked to him about it, and he has or has not made any headway in resolving the problem.

After all that comes decision time and this is tough to. You'll have the information to make the decision, but it still won't be easy. I know, been there and done that. If you try this approach and still have questions, I'd be happy to tell you how I arrived at my final decision.
AlwaysAlexis · 51-55, F
@Ontheroad Thank you for the suggestion. My fear is that one big negative will outweigh all of the positives. I always say that if someone brings you more laughter than tears (or more joy than sadness), then they're a keeper. But now I'm finding that those moments of sadness (which are indeed few and far between) are just so intense and painful that they outweigh the good. Thanks again for sharing.
fun4us2b · M
If you're asking, it means you already know...as I do. - the hard part in the doing, especially caring for the other person. I'm struggling with the effect it will have on them...
AlwaysAlexis · 51-55, F
@fun4us2b I don’t mean to sound cynical, but I guess it doesn’t pay to be the thoughtful one in a relationship. I think that was part of my problem; when I was younger I used to be a bit more selfish and then I overcorrected in this relationship and gave in to his wishes- even when they made me unhappy. Ah well. Have you already taken steps to move on, or are you still in it?
fun4us2b · M
@AlwaysAlexis Starting to, long story of course, but it's very unhealthy. - It doesn't mean you shouldn't be giving and caring next time. It takes two to tango...we should allow the knowledge we have to help us in the future.
fun4us2b · M
@AlwaysAlexis you want to talk further? Seems we’re in the same boat….or at least a similar one….
TexChik · F
Basically, if you have to ask that question...it might be that time.
AlwaysAlexis · 51-55, F
@TexChik I think you're right, but I don't want you to be......
TexChik · F
@AlwaysAlexis I know , but a lot must have gone wrong if you are wondering
When you no longer feel any happiness. Just because you love them sometimes you know it's not going to go anywhere for you. But, as long as still happiness there for you are getting something out of the relationship..by all means continue if it pleases you..until it doesn't. Until there is no longer the happiness for you
AlwaysAlexis · 51-55, F
@Bexsy Thank you for your response. That's the litmus test I try to use, but sometimes it's hard to measure that objectively.
JohnOinger · 41-45, M
@AlwaysAlexis So what do you think of Jason Momoa & Would You Do Him
Northwest · M
Is it love or "it's someone I got used to"?

The time to move on, is when you know the relationship is not going to work out and for that, you need a checklist of what a relationship means to you. If any of the "must have" elements is missing, then the whole is broken.
AlwaysAlexis · 51-55, F
@Northwest Definitely love; I actually was content in my life prior to meeting him, and didn't have a need to be in another relationship at the moment. And thank you for your advice, there's a major "must have" that is sorely missing.
Love alone isn't sufficient reason to stay. You need to look at the rest of the relationship and envision living with him for another 30 or 40 years with things as they are right now.

How does that make you feel???
AlwaysAlexis · 51-55, F
@HootyTheNightOwl It makes me feel sad.....
@AlwaysAlexis Then it's time to look at what you can change to make the next 30 or 40 years happier.

Can you mix it up by taking more alone time to enjoy each other's company - or do you feel that this relationship is beyond even the things you can change???
It happed gradually (14 years) to realize that I wasnt happy where I stood.... not onlt I was not hapoy but I surely was miserable and unhappy...

I have a story about it in here, but you dont need to read it if you dont feel like it...

https://similarworlds.com/9259523-I-Have-Moved-On/855565-I-married-my-ex-husband-for-the-wrong-reasons-He
AlwaysAlexis · 51-55, F
@Soossie Thank you for sharing your story!
Tminus6453 · M
When you know you're ok with being alone again, most relationships drag on because one or both are not wanting to be alone again
AlwaysAlexis · 51-55, F
@Tminus6453 Truth. Prior to meeting him I was actually okay with being single (I had been married for long time and wasn't really looking for that again). Now I'm at a point (again) where the thought of going through life alone is terrifying. Then again, it can't be any worse than what I'm feeling now. Thanks for your response.
Tminus6453 · M
@AlwaysAlexis Yeah, its a double edged sword, you're not happy with that person.... but at least when you are alone it will suck at first, but you have complete control of your situation and eventually you always find ways to adapt and to be content with being alone..🙂
Steve42 · 56-60, M
I figured when the annulment came through, or after she married her next victim. Mostly I decided not to reengaged.
AlwaysAlexis · 51-55, F
@Steve42 Sounds like you have an interesting story there.....
Steve42 · 56-60, M
@AlwaysAlexis I'm preferring the peaceful quiet life. A lot less bs in my life and that is ok.
SW-User
You yourself know the advice and answer to it rather than random people .... you might just need a self dialogue or conversation with someone
Slade · 56-60, M
I hope you can come to terms with whatever you do😣
when it's no longer fun
AlwaysAlexis · 51-55, F
@YukikoAmagi Good point. It should never be drudgery.
MrBrownstone · 46-50, M
[media=https://youtu.be/E310_bV4vEA]
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AlwaysAlexis · 51-55, F
@swirlie Thank you for your response. I'm at an age where I know that you can never change another person, you either accept them for who they are or you don't. But you're right, some of those little red flags were there early on, and I was so head-over-heels that I didn't pay attention to them.

 
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