In the world of dating, it’s not always easy to discern the nature of a relationship. Almost relationships can be especially challenging, as their ambiguity can leave both partners feeling uncertain and unfulfilled.
The only certain fact is that you and this person are connected, with either of you becoming a future partner.
A relationship that almost happened is like an unfinished story. You don’t know if they’ll take you seriously or if it’s just a joke.
There’s no one to blame. There’s no guarantee that there will be a real relationship. There isn’t even a word for it, so the term “almost relationship” was made up.
Now, the question is whether or not it’s even worth getting into. Is there a chance of making a promise soon?
It’s possible, but there’s also a chance you’re wasting your time on something that won’t lead anywhere. After all, there’s a reason why almost all relationships hurt this much, and we’re not even joking about it.
What Does “Almost” Mean in This Case?
When you meet someone you start to feel strongly about, this is almost a relationship. In the end, all you do is date. You never go through with a real relationship, so you don’t know if that offer will ever come up again.
You can be proactive and ask where things are headed, but everyone knows that asking at the wrong time is the kiss of death. If your almost-lover thinks that being in a relationship with you is the kiss of death, they are less likely to want to commit.
That’s when you’re in an almost relationship: when neither you nor your partner is ready to make a commitment. An almost relationship looks and sounds just like what it is.
You don’t own them, and they don’t own you.
Even though it sounds harsh, it’s the truth. It’s almost a relationship because neither person is ready to commit.
The Most Obvious Signs That Your Almost-Relationship Isn’t Worth Your Time
So you’re in a relationship that’s almost there, and you want to know if you’re wasting your time. Here are some clear signs that you should stop hoping for the best and accept that the relationship is stuck and may not move forward unless you do something about it.
You don’t agree with what the crystal ball says.
You need to look at yourself and ask if you see a future with this person. Don’t look at the dream you’ve made up in your mind. Look at the facts and see if your partner is someone who will be with you for a long time. Don’t let yourself be blinded by a dream you want so badly to come true.
Don’t be fooled by how much you love them. Pay attention to any red flags in your chemistry or compatibility. The things you do together should help you get ready for a deeper relationship.
If you keep doing the same things and never talk about what’s next or make plans for the future, you’re better off being single, which is what you are now, but with extra baggage in the form of your almost-relationship.
You’re not growing.
When your almost-relationship is ready to turn into a full-fledged happily ever after, you should have noticed that everything you do with your partner gets more and more serious. You should talk about or show how you’re feeling about each other.
If you keep doing the same things and don’t connect on a deeper level, your almost relationship has reached its peak and will probably get worse.
If your relationship hasn’t moved forward in a long time and there doesn’t seem to be a next step, it might be time to give up. Your relationship isn’t going anywhere, and it’s time to accept that.
Your life is a question with no answer.
You don’t know much about your partner, and they don’t know much about you. If you were trying to get into a real relationship, you should have been trying to find out more about your partner instead of begging for bits of information.
If you’re unwilling to share your lives with each other at this point, you should consider moving on. Relationships should be about growing and moving forward together, so what’s the point if nothing is happening and you barely know each other?
If you can’t break through a clear wall, it’s time to accept that your relationship isn’t worth keeping.
Your relationship is like a moving version of Newton’s Cradle.
Now it’s time to talk about some science! You’re not getting anywhere, but you’re also not going backward. You are just a couple of people who are stuck in a loop of keeping things the same because it is easier that way. No stress, no commitments, and no responsibilities, right? But there is also no trust, loyalty, love, or hope for the future.
No more butterflies.
At first, an almost relationship can give you butterflies and roller coaster feelings in your stomach because it starts out the same way any other relationship does. But if it’s been a while since you felt those things, it’s possible that your almost relationship isn’t making you feel the way it should: excited and giddy about the idea of finally being together. Who knows who among you is making a mistake?
If you’re no longer attracted to the person and the relationship isn’t going anywhere, it might be time to end it. Relationships are fun at first, but if they don’t move forward, they can get boring. So this is where you decide if you want to keep the relationship going.
Your main thought is about uncertainty.
If you’re in a close-but-not-quite kind of thing, uncertainty is probably the main thing you talk about. Even if you don’t know what the hell you’re doing, you never know what the future holds with the person you’re with.
You are not together, but you are also not-not together. You don’t know much about anything, including any plans you have for the short or long term with them. All of these things come with an almost relationship.
You both avoid talking about DTR, but more for them than for you.
The last thing you want is a “Define the Relationship” talk because you don’t know where you stand in their life. You don’t have a label, and you’re not the only one. But this avoidance is more apparent in their case.
Every time you try to talk to them about your label and what it means for your relationship, they try to change the subject or get away from it. And when that happens, you know it wasn’t worth it.
It’s clear that it’s one-sided.
If you’re not sure if your almost-relationship is worth it or not, the fact that it’s one-sided says a lot. If you feel like you’re the only one working on or investing in the relationship, it’s not worth it.
Even if this almost relationship means a lot to you, you have to realize that as long as you hold on to the wrong one, you’ll never be in the relationship you deserve. It just doesn’t pay off.
So, should you stay with the person you almost like?
If you know you can have a better relationship with someone else, someone who will love and care for you, it might be time to let them go. You don’t deserve to be in a relationship that never changes since any worthwhile connection develops and expands.
If you’re looking for true love or a healthy relationship, save your energy and love for someone who’s willing to commit to you, not just for now but for the near future as well.
Almost relationships can be stepping stones, but staying in one forever is not good for your heart and mind. Remember that you shouldn’t settle for a relationship that makes you clearly unhappy.
Related articles you might like: 20 Things You Cannot Ignore When Dating a Highly Sensitive Person, 10 Annoying Habits That Will Drive Your Partner Away, 7 Indications That Your Bumpy Relationship Needs Another Chance
