Timeline

Before going into how to give up and make peace proper, we need to discuss when to do so. I’m sure you heard dating is about trying, failing, and trying again. Meeting people, weeding them out, and if that doesn’t work, start again. Failure is included in the process.

Considering the above, when is the right time to give up on dating – and romantic love on a grander scale – then?

Let me make a stand and put my boot down to loudly and convincingly proclaim: it depends.

Humans are a varied bunch; the right moment is different for each one of us. I dated – or tried to – for over a decade. When I look back upon it, I wish I had learned my lesson sooner and won myself some time back. I’m also aware I’m a slow learner, and if I hadn’t spent so long trying, I would be here today asking myself “but what if I had tried a little more? Maybe then it would have worked out.”

As painful as it can be, I believe giving your best shot and trying for a long time – definition of long being up to you, mine meant several years – is mandatory before moving on to the next stage.

One important thing to say: it’s okay to give up. It is okay to say, “enough is enough”. Over time, some aspirations and dreams are abandoned in favor of others. I know I won’t be an actor, but I can aspire to something I can realize. Same with love. Family and kids may not be in my reach, but that’s time to spend on other endeavors.