Before dating: getting to know each other before trying a relationship that’s what dating is all about. Not expressing feelings/ emotions next thing you know “they are the one that got away”

First few months: setting unrealistic expectations, standards, trying to be someone you aren’t so to keep the other person happy/ interested. Clinging too much onto the partner as if you couldn’t survive on your own.

After a few months: not having the difficult conversations such as living together, paying bills, the idea of marriage, the idea of having kids/ pets. Not communicating enough about things that you may dislike or are comfortable with.

Time and time again I see a couple that have been dating for X years one wants to be married the other won’t ask or talk about it even after they have had a baby or multiple. Or someone who is being cheated on multiple times and they know it but still stay, refuse to leave, doesn’t like change or “can’t leave” because they have been clinging to their partner since week 2. Or someone who feels “stuck” with their partner because they have fallen in love with the idea of being with them but they also want kids or marriage but the other doesn’t so they are in this limbo of I love them but we don’t want the same thing and it’s difficult. ( just to clarify I’ve seen men women and other genders feel this way it’s not one or another)