Relationships Begin and Relationships End

And sometimes relationships go on pause.  It's the Ross and Rachel "let's take a break" phenomenon when a couple reaches an impasse.  It's a he-said/she-said interpretation of events that can move us to that proverbial next level of relationship or close the door altogether so that we have to say, "next," as we pull up our big-girl pants.


Friends and families advise to cut bait and move on, but there is a kernel of hesitation.  It's not the hesitation borne out of "what if I'm wrong."  Rather, it's the type borne from, "yes, there are some red flags here AND there's all of this other awesome, great stuff."  If we can calmly sit down to communicate face-to-face about the issues, then doesn't all of it - the red flags and awesomeness -  warrant deeper exploration before giving up?  I'm sure my best friends are screaming NO as they read this considering the degree to which I lamented all weekend long.


So here we are.  Is this the Drama of Dating or the Drama of Relationship?  For sure the landscape is dotted with mercurial mood swings, conflict and the need to be right.


Friends say we date [rather than marry right away] to learn whether or not another is a true match.  Others note that four months ought to give people enough time to evaluate "true-match" potential.  Somewhere in that four-month gap dating evolves into a relationship.  If only Facebook statuses had not been updated to "in a relationship" before this last breakdown... dammit!  I may sometimes feel no older than a 22-year old, but I HATE when I publicly look like one.  And lately I fear that I look like one a lot.  No comments from the peanut gallery please... I am hard enough on myself without hearing it from well-meaning loved ones.


Whether or not it's a drama all can agree that a break is required.  Others may jones for their nicotine during this time.  I'll be curious to see if I can navigate this gap without jonzing (sp?) for attention from the opposite sex.