We have all been there. There's someone we like... a lot. And it seems like they like you, too. Which they may. But for whatever reason, not wanting to be in a relationship, not wanting to deal with long distance, or simply not knowing what they want, they don't want to be with you. When you talk to them about it, they say things to soften the blow, or they might not even deliver the blow at all. But you like them, you like them a lot, so when they say, "Maybe further down the road we'll give it a shot," or, "Just not right now," it's easy to hold onto that. It's easy to hop on board the "maybe" train and ride it into the unknown.

But what does that mean for you? Does that mean you wait for them? Does that mean you date around but continue to have them in the back of your mind? Will "maybe" sabotage future relationships or opportunities with someone who is better for you? Will moving on ruin that chance of "maybe" when it finally rolls around?

A classic example of the dangers of "maybe" is Ted Mosby and Robin Scherbatsky from the popular T.V. show "How I Met Your Mother." When first introduced, Robin and Ted have obvious chemistry, but Ted's hopeless romantic side gets the best of him so things don't work out right away. Eventually, they start dating, but they realize they don't want the same things. Ted wanted to work towards settling down while Robin wasn't ready for that level of commitment. Understandably, they broke up, but they made a pact. If they were both single when they turn 40 years old, then they would get together.

Now, this might look slightly different from the basic scenario, but the pact they made was very much a "maybe." Even though they aren't together, they have the door to the possibility of a relationship left slightly ajar. And, even though they don't pursue each other, the feelings they have don't go away, especially since they hang out all the time.

Much later in the series, Ted confesses his love to Robin again, realizing the strand of failed relationships he's had since her are because he never got over her. But Robin can't say she loves him back. She can't say she wants to be with him. Though, she does ask him if they still have that deal for when they're 40 years old.

At first, Ted agrees, but it takes him less than a second to correct himself. He explains that if the door is even a little bit open, he won't stop hoping that when she turns 40, he'll "win the lottery." He realized that the hope behind that "maybe" will keep him from getting what he really wants: a wife and a family.

At this point, Ted and Robin sit in silence with tears in their eyes as they marinate in the truth of Ted's epiphany. Because it isn't always that asshole that strings you along because he wants to keep you as an option. Sometimes the person who's delivering the "maybe" believes in it, too. Sometimes it's hard for them to admit that a portion of their life has ended. Sometimes they want to hold on in any way they can, even if it hurts everyone involved.

Now, Ted and Robin aren't the best example, but Ted's reaction to his "maybe" is something we all need to keep in mind, which brings me to the importance of letting go. "Maybe" will pull you through the mud over and over again. "Maybe" will make you remember moments you've had and imagine moments that you might have. "Maybe" will keep you from letting go. You have to realize that sometimes you have to let go.

It's okay to delete pictures, erase contacts, block social media. It's okay to not talk to them, even if you want to. It's okay to not hang out with them, even if you miss their face. Sometimes, you have to shut the door, let go of the "maybe" and move on.

It's hard, but it's okay.