Are you in one of those situations when someone asks you if you are in a relationship, you say yes, but then after a month when someone else asks you if you are committed to someone, you are not sure what to say? If you believe that happens to you often, then you are in an on-again-off-again relationship.
You can imagine the roller coaster such relationships turn out to be. Not only do they make you question your rationale and instinct, but they also prove detrimental to your overall well-being. Your sense of stability is severely affected, and you don’t feel mentally safe in the relationship since you keep wondering when the next fight or separation would take place.
And then, there’s the desperation and the longing to get back together even though it’s clear to everyone except you that it’s not working out. In some on-again-off-again relationships, couples do manage to see the light and work on their issues amicably and together. But some are recipes for disaster, and they take more than they give.
What Is An On-Again-Off-Again Relationship Like?
When two people begin going out, they either click really well and enter into a relationship. Or they don’t. Also, in many cases, a couple breaks up eventually when the spark dies off. All of these situations are normal. However, when a couple gets together, breaks up due to certain issues, gets back together again when the spark reignites, and then breaks up again, that is what an on-again-off-again relationship looks like.
According to statistics, approximately 60% of young adults experience at least one on-again-off-again relationship. This pattern can be extremely toxic and distressing. On the other hand, let’s take the example of Jessica Biel, actor-model, and Justin Timberlake, singer-songwriter. They had a breakup in March 2011 but they got married in 2012 and have been together ever since.
After their breakup, Timberlake, in an interview, had called Biel “the single-handedly most significant person in my life.” He added, “In my 30 years, she is the most special person, okay? I don’t want to say much more, because I have to protect things that are dear to me—for instance, her.” How precious. Their love prevailed in this on-again-off-again relationship, and we couldn’t be happier for them.
What Causes On-Again-Off-Again Relationships?
We want our partners to provide everything for us, to be our everything, and fulfill all our needs. This is unrealistic, and sometimes one of the reasons for an on-again-off-again relationship. Clearly, one person can’t be your personal bank for your specific wants, desires, and unfulfilled fantasies. You have to let some things go and remember that this person is not just here to be your partner, but to be their own individual person as well.
Also, there are times when two people are perfect for each other sexually but have the toughest time maintaining peace in other areas of their relationship. They can’t imagine being bereft of something so passionate, so they come back together after every breakup, as unhealthy as it might be. It’s not all dark though. We have for you the best on-again-off-again relationship news from the celebrity world.
“If you love something let it go, if it comes back….
