Don't settle for second best

There is a great article on the Single Parents Unite blog about the dating challenges faced by single parents.

Dating is hard. Dating with kids is harder. Trust me on this one.

Most single people have already decided whether or not they'd be willing to date someone with kids. While that doesn't usually change, it can. I don't think my husband ever envisioned being a stepfather. It's all about meeting the right person.

The blog post mentions some really good tips for single parents. My favorite quote from it, however, is pretty universal advice: "don't settle for second best because of your situation."

I think this can apply to everyone, honestly. I think most people have been in relationships where the other person was consistently and blatantly inconsiderate (or worse). One person or the other (or both) is pretty miserable and all the people around the couple are wondering (aloud or to themselves) WHY the people stay together.

Brass tacks here- if you're miserable, either change it or end it. Life is too short to be in a relationship that is toxic. If you want to change it, keep in mind that it takes two to change. Go to a professional counselor and both people need to make an effort to change it.

If you end it, end it. Don't make it harder on both people by stringing things along because you don't have the courage to let it go. If they won't let go, you may need to cut off all contact with them entirely. Sometimes you really do have to do this in order for the other person to move on with their life.

Regardless of your situation, don't settle for second best. There are plenty of single people out there, really. If you know it isn't going anywhere, or if you dread seeing the person, it's time to go. Sometimes you need to realize that the investment is no longer worthwhile. You just need to cut your losses, chalk it up to experience, and leave.