Is this even a real relationship?
 

I have a friend. She has been dating the same guy for about seven years now, since college I think.

In all that time, he's never asked about marriage, never asked about moving in, never made any kind of real commitment there.

They hang out, but only some weekends, and they talk on the phone.

They haven't been intimate in over a year and a half.

She is not happy with him, but she is afraid to break things off, because she doesn't want to hurt him. She's so sad, that... well... she cried. Hard. It hurt to see her that way.

*sigh* now, to me this isn't even a real relationship anymore. It's in such a rut that it's become a friendship. A good friendship, and a comfortable one, but still a friendship.

There's nothing romantic anymore.

I feel like it would be better for her to end things now, so they can move on to something with real romance. Something that will make her really happy. And obviously he should find someone who really wants to be with him you know?

I agree with your view but if she doesn't want to end things then there's really nothing you can do about it.

I'm just coming out of a relationship with the same feeling. I made the mistake of marrying and having a child with this guy though. Considering that they don't live together, it will be much easier for her to break off. Once you get to this point, I've noticed it's nearly impossible to ever go back. I tried making things work when I wasn't happy for 4 years. I wasted so much time when I could have been happy. I hope for your friend's sake she can find the strength to end things before it gets any further.

I know I can't force her, but... *sigh*

I just hope she doesn't end up doing what you did. :( I'm sorry you went through that. I've been in so many relationships I just didn't want, and it's always bad.

Now I'm actually in one I like, but not everyone is so lucky.

All you can do is support her, dear.

I know. That's what I'm doing. :/

All I can say is try to focus on yourself for the time being since there's nothing you can really do about this situation.