There comes a time in every relationship where that simple question comes across your mind, “Where is this going?” Sadly, we live in a society that tells us not to ask those sorts of questions for the fear of being rejected or hearing something we don’t want to hear. But what happens when we don’t ask them turns out just as bad as if we would have had we had the courage to just speak up.

There’s a simple indicator on the intent of every relationship. Whether it’s your summer fling, your late-night “person,” or your boyfriend of five years (if that’s even a real thing anymore); the moment they stop planning for the future, is the moment they don’t see a future with you. We all know what this looks like. One second it’s “we should do this one day” or “one day I’ll take you there” and the next they act like they don’t know what they’re doing five minutes from then.

HELLO?! Red flags flying everywhere. So, why don’t we just pack up our bags and leave? Why do we stick around? It’s simple, we’re human; we’re made to be loved and cared for and shown affection to. The saddest part is, because that “person” shows us affection, we sit back and let them decide the course of our “future.”

This is where the old saying “you don’t need anyone who doesn’t need you” comes in. If that person can’t plan a trip to see you a month from then, it’s time to get out. If they aren’t including you in any of their future plans, walk away. No need to cause a big fuss or make a big scene, just pack your bags and get out.

I promise you, there is far more to life than this. I know you really like them, and I know you thought this could be the one, but if that person doesn’t respect you enough to pursue you with everything that they have, they don’t deserve you. Sure, we're in our 20s and everywhere we look, people are getting engaged and having babies while you sit at home with your gallon of Blue Bell (finally, PTL), but settling for something less than you deserve is not worth finally putting your wedding Pinterest board to use.

XOXO,

Chels