If you have no long term plans to be with your SO does this change the nature of the relationship?

I once broke up with a guy because I knew we weren’t going to get married. I’m not saying everyone should react that way, but I didn’t see a point in perpetuating something if I knew it wasn’t going to go anywhere. I was 21 or 22 at the time, and I wasn’t really thinking I was going to get married any time soon, I just knew it was not going to be with him. I haven’t regretted that decision at all since then, so I guess it was the right move for me.

obsolutely not…

I’m at a point in my life where I’m not interested in casual dating. So, yes… if I knew there was no chance of marriage, I would end it.

I don’t go past the dating phase unless I see some potential for marriage. It’d be a waste of time otherwise.

It really depends on whether you are interested in marriage or not. I don’t see myself getting married in the near future, for a number of reasons. I think it’s great to be in a relationship with no plans for marriage as long as you are both having a good time. You can have fun and enjoy each other’s company without worrying about the pressure to get married, and grow as two independent people while still being there for each other. It’s really the best of both worlds. I’m going to sound like a hippie, but sometimes it’s about the journey, not the destination.

I ended my 18 yr marriage about 16 months ago…and too be honest I’m in no rush to re-marry…or may never commit to that extent again, who knows? I do know that I would not be content with a casual short term relationship…but my aim is to enjoy the moment…who knows where life’s taking me.

Totally agree with @Haleth…it’s about the journey, not the destination…all I know is that the person I’m with does not become complacent!!

@Haleth I’m basing most of my career on the thought that it’s the journey not the destinaton so I know what you’re saying. I totally agree

If I don’t see myself going long term with the person I’m dating I’m probably just not interested enough, conclusion; I’d do both me and him a favour by ending the relationship as soon as possible. I don’t like to waste my time and I don’t like to waste other people’s time. We’re either in or out. Nothing in between.

Yes, I’m the kind of person who wants to get married and meet “The One”, but in this case I don’t think that matters. I wouldn’t want to waste my time by dating someone I don’t feel strongly enough for to go long term with, marriage or not.

It depends. If we both simply don’t ever want to get married because we are not in favor of the institutuion, but are committed to each other then I think you stay together. But, if you feel like your SO is not the type of person you could be married to, then I say probably better to move on. I would not want to spend too much time with someone I did not feel I could stay with forever, obviously there is something they are lacking or does no tmeet my expectations.

If you think the relationship isnt going anywhere then just slowly stop being with him as much and then stop talking to him as much and see if he notices anything…if he doesnt then end it altogether…if he does notice something then maybe he has changed his perspective on things and things will get better….

They’re not really very significant if they’re not in your long term plans.

It is possible to be in a committed relationship with someone without marriage, of course.

@Adagio thats what I was thinking. Long term committment can exist without marriage. If there is no long term committment, it wouldn’t be much of a relationship, with both parties ready and willing to break up at any time.

@Blondesjon how can you be sure though? I am dating my best friend and even though I can’t see myself with him for the rest of my life I’d be devastated if anything ever happened to us.