For years, I have had friends come to me with one concern. "I really like so-and-so, and I do not want to break up with them, I am just not happy anymore, ya know?"

Well, friend who is dating so-and-so, this one is for you. It for each and every person who thought they were getting into their end game, and who is now staying because past them thought they would be happy.

Please be happy. If you are going to dedicate your energy, your time, and yourself to being more than friends with this person, be happy about it.

You cannot be all give. You cannot surprise them at work with dinner, pay for everything, take them everywhere, introduce them to your entire family, and get nothing in return. I am not saying this is some magical checklist, I am just saying if this person is not putting energy into making it work and into being happy with you, under no obligation do you need to put in that energy.

You have to communicate, to. Do not ignore giant elephants in the room because "it makes your partner uncomfortable". If you or partner is about to graduate, you have the right to know what comes next. They should be telling you if they're moving, or going to school, or anything that could effect your relationship with them.

If they are talking to all of your mutual friends about things and not you, there is a problem. If the whole town knows so-and-so is doing something, but so-and-so has not told you, that is a red flag. How will you be happy without communication?

Your friends have watched you pine over this person, and seen the stars in your eyes when you told us that so-and-so liked you back. And now we want to see those stars and hear how happy you are.

We just want you to be happy. We want you to see the world and maybe even a future. We want you to love and be loved in return. That is what it will take for us to be happy for you. We will not be happy for you until you are happy. So please, if you do nothing else, find a partner who is going to accomplish that. Be happy, be healthy, and love deeply.