Elizabeth Stone

In bizarre dating and relationship behavior-land, there’s the commitment-phobe, and I know this mess of a behavior pattern well since I was once one myself.

It usually goes like this: You meet someone online who seems to have real potential. After a few back-and-forth messages on the online dating service, you give them your phone number.

Sometimes it just feels vaguely like things aren’t going great but you aren’t quite sure whether it’s time to try to repair your relationship or kiss it goodbye.

Going through a breakup? I’m well aware how painful that can be. But there IS a silver lining! Here are seven reasons to be happy a relationship ended: 1. More free time.

Narcissism exists on a spectrum. These self-centered folks can simply be more focused on themselves, or it can cross over into an actual personality disorder. Either way, narcissists are legendarily difficult to have relationships with.

“You’re too clingy,” he said, after a breakup speech that left a knot in my gut.