Give up on an almost relationship when you’ve exhausted all your options.
Honesty is the key in any relationship – including almost relationships. When you’ve admitted how you feel and have made it clear that you’re interested in something more than your current casual relationship, there’s nothing more you can do. The ball is in their court. It’s up to them to decide whether or not to initiate a relationship. You shouldn’t have to do any begging or convincing to make them love you. If they’re right for you, then they’ll see your value without you needing to spell it out for them. If you’ve already expressed your honest feelings to them, and still, nothing is happening between you, then it’s time to say goodbye. You’ve done everything you can do.
Give up on an almost relationship when they start bringing you more stress than excitement.
In the beginning, the constant flirting is thrilling. It gives you a burst of butterflies and excitement. But if their inconsistent behavior has been bugging you lately, if you’re starting to get annoyed when they butter you up then drop off the face of the planet for a few weeks, it’s a sign you might need to let go. When your almost relationship stops feeling fun and starts to break your heart, something needs to change. Either you need to start dating for real or you need to move on entirely. You can’t live in purgatory forever. Not if it’s making you this upset.
Give up on an almost relationship when you’re putting in way more effort.
You shouldn’t be the only person putting effort into the friendship. You shouldn’t be the one who’s always texting first, always setting plans, always checking in and doing favors. If the almost relationship is one-sided, a serious relationship would also be one-sided, and you don’t want that. You don’t want to end up with someone who takes advantage of all the kind things you do for them.
Give up on an almost relationship when you’re sacrificing what you want.
Don’t keep sleeping with them or flirting with them or casually seeing them when you secretly want a serious relationship. You deserve everything that your heart desires. Even though you would rather keep them close than potentially push them away by asking them to take the next step, you can’t keep living like this. You can’t keep sacrificing what you truly want in order to make this other person happy. What about your happiness? What about your comfort?
Give up on an almost relationship when too much time has passed without any forward momentum.
It doesn’t matter how much you love this person. You can’t wait for them forever. You can’t put your life on hold because you’re waiting for them to say they’re ready for a relationship. If it’s been months, or even years, and this person still isn’t interested in taking the next step with you, you might need to step away. Doing what’s best for yourself in the long run might hurt in the short-term, but you have to be brave. You have to do what’s right for yourself.
