Sometimes it's easy to forget what we expect from our significant other. And sometimes it gets to the point where we realize it's time to cut our losses and move on. But it's incredibly hard, especially if we still love the person and if they aren't a total meanie (sorry, forgive me -- but I teach middle school kids for a living).

I found these questions and comments on oprah.com when I ended a relationship that wasn't meant to be a few years ago. The boy and I are still very close, he was my date to my cousin's wedding Saturday and I know I can ALWAYS count on him. But the ending of our relationship was a long process. It was saying goodbye every couple of months and then reuniting with a pit of fear in our stomachs because we just knew it was simply a matter of time before our next goodbye.

Questions to Ask Yourself When You're Considering the End of a Relationship

1. What do I want?
2. What do I need?
3. What compromises can I live with?
4. Am I willing to make hard choices?

In order to honestly answer these four questions, one must:

• Know yourself.
• Acknowledge obligations.
• Live by your values.

THE BEST DECISIONS COME FROM LOOKING AS DEEPLY INTO YOURSELF AS YOU DO THE RELATIONSHIP.

If you decide to cut your losses...

• Create a vivid, positive vision for your future.
• See it, say it, meditate on it, write it down...

Letting go hurts. But staying once you've decided the relationship is really over means being buried alive. Face your decisions with courage, kindness and a galloping leap of faith because...

joy is waiting.

I told myself I wasn't going to blog while in a way-too-contemplative mood. I logged on and continued telling myself to keep it light and fluffy.

But that wouldn't be real of me. Haven't blogged in quite a bit, so I'd like to keep it real.

I've been thinking about a certain song. Music inspires me; it's my muse. And there's this song by Cheap Trick.

Some lines:

I want you to want me.

I need you to need me.

I'd love you to love me.

I'm beggin' you to beg me.

Didn't I, didn't I, didn't I see you cryin'?

Feelin' all alone without a friend, you know you feel like dyin'.

Here is what the music inspired me to scribble in cursive (pretty cursive, too) on a random notepad.

*When will my love for you run dry?

*When will I have to take off this sudden, newfound blindfold and see for real that hearts are uncontrollable.

OR

-When will you realize it's me who truly understands you, cares for you and loves you?

-When will it all be enough proof for you?

One way or the other, I feel like my heart's about to embark on a ride. It's one of those scarily exhilarating rollercoasters. Buckle up and enjoy the ride? Or scream bloody murder and get off while things are still safe?