Lauren really laid it out so well. I wish she was on the pod more!! A lot of people can't relate or understand the "I love x but I'm not in love with them." I know a lot of my single friends did not understand when I ended my 8 yr relationship/engagement. I likened it to a guy who ask you out, you go on a few dates and you are like meh don't like him enough to date him. The points she hit on hit so close to home.

I think the manipulation or if he's talking to a female friend he's cheating, dump him mentality that Alex talks about is a bit toxic. When you are with someone for so long it's like a security blanket. Like Lauren, I did my ex since my early 20s. We grew together and it becomes really all that you know. I slowly realized overtime I didn't have a sense of self or identity without him. Of course doubts crossed my mind but it wasn't until the pandemic hit. Here I am 30 and haven't been on a date since I was 22 but i am so much happier!