I love Sam Smith‘s song “Stay With Me“. It’s a beautiful song and a haunting portrayal of the desperation that comes out of loneliness. I remember that feeling from before I was married. At some point we wonder, “Should I stay over… just because I’m lonely?” I’m not necessarily talking about sex, and I’m not really even necessarily talking about staying the night with someone (even though Sam is). I’m referring more to the feeling you get when you know you’re not in love – or maybe even that your relationship isn’t going anywhere, or that you’re insanely miserable – and you make the conscious decision to stay anyway, rather than to be alone.

When is it OK to stay? Is it ever? Does it delay the inevitable? Or are you leading someone on? Are you making yourself even more depressed by not going anything? These are all questions only you can answer, but if you have asked (or you are asking) yourself any of these questions, you owe it to yourself and to your “partner” to answer them. Either way, don’t let it go on. Make a decision one way or the other, and be confident that sometimes the courage it takes to be alone will actually show the universe that you’re ready for something more; something better.

Lots of Love,

Emily