Rip off the bandaid. Just say, “I think this isn’t a match, so we probably need to move on.” 

I understand why you’re trying to make this work. A lot of people want to lock everything down by their mid-30s. But you’ve been with this person six months. That’s enough time to know if you want more (you don’t). It’s also a blip – meaning, you haven’t spend years on this; there’s no shared group of friends, home, or dog.

This significant other has been wonderful, right? What great proof that others can be wonderful, too. I hope you look back on this relationship and think, “I dated this great person before I met my partner, and everything worked out perfectly.”

Of course, I can’t promise that last part will deliver itself. It might take a long time to meet someone new. But being alone is often better than spending nights on the couch with someone thinking, “How am I going to make this work?”

Peaceful alone time is better than faking it. It’s certainly better than having to compartmentalize big feelings as you pretend everything is fine.

Sometimes being by yourself – with a book – is euphoria. Honestly, just ask Monday’s letter writer.

– Meredith

Readers? Does anyone here feel like this relationship is worth more investment? It sounds like there’s a lot of compatibility, and maybe at six months it’s too soon to tell.

What’s on your mind about your relationships? Your human connections? Your lack of human connections? Send your own anonymous questions about dating, friendship, breakups, crushes, etc. to [email protected] – or use the anonymous form.