How To Know When Your Dating Relationship is Over

Knowing when your dating relationship is over can save a lot time, energy, stress and emotional investment.  This becomes particularly important after the age of 25, when most people say the point of dating is to find a permanent partner.  You don't want to spend a lot of time trying to breathe fresh air into a dead relationship.

There are clues to watch for when dating.  The clues tell you that this is good and you should keep going; or, they might be suggesting you cut it off now and look elsewhere.  The first thing to look for after you have been dating for at least six months is change.  It might be that he doesn't spend as much time with you as he used to spend.  Or, maybe he doesn't answer your calls right away.  Maybe he no longer calls at all.  Even if he tries to assure you that nothing is wrong it is better if you trust your own instincts.  Maybe he is looking for someone else, or perhaps he has already found her.  Your time would be better spent just moving on rather than trying to catch him or prove that he is cheating.  If you suspect he is cheating, the chances are good that he is either cheating or something else is very wrong in the relationship.  Trust yourself and move on.  Really, that old cat & mouse game has no place in an intimate relationship.

You will also want to put an end to the relationship if you detect he is too possessive and insecure about your relationships with your friends and family, which might be an indication he is abusive.  Is he disrespectful?  Does he put you down in front of your friends?  How does he treat his own mother?  An abuser will show signs of how he feels about women in general, and perhaps you in particular.  Does he make fun of his mother, sisters or you?  If so, turn and run the other way.

Perhaps your guy seems perfect and you are the one who is unsure.  Maybe you cannot put your finger on the problem; still, you cannot let go and commit to him.  You notice you would rather spend the evening with friends or family.   You feel bad and do not want to hurt his feelings, but you also cannot imagine spending the rest of your life with him.  Check out this situation.  Maybe you just have cold feet.  Or, maybe you have been so used to being with men who treated you badly that it is difficult to understand this guy who treats you well and respects you.  You do not want to give up on a good thing if you can work through your feelings.  Nor do you want to move forward if you know for some reason it just is not going to work.

Finally, it might be time to consult with your closest friends and family members.  These people have known you all your life, and it might be worth your while to listen to them.  You do not need to let them make your decision, but perhaps you should listen to them and consider carefully what they have to say.

Remember also that in the end, a really great relationship starts with attraction and good communication.  It moves forward with both people working hard to communicate and understand each other.  And, in the end, there is also a measure of luck.