Let me set the scene: You’re dating someone and feel this incredible connection. Maybe you sleep together. Then, seemingly out of nowhere they say, “I adore you but I can’t give you what you want and hope we can hang out as friends.” Gut punch. It’s incredibly painful, especially when you thought things were going well. But what’s even more painful? Going along with it.

You’re afraid that if you leave, you’ll lose your one and only chance at a relationship (hello, scarcity). Plus, when you do hang out “as friends,” maybe they hold your hand or give you some other mixed message that keeps you hanging on. But when you choose to stay, you wait for a someday that may never come while anger and frustration build. So folks, that’s what we’re talking about in this podcast—why this happens and what to do if you find yourself in this situation.