Passion, where fore art thou?

Do you stay or do you go? Where does YOUR passion lay?

Sometimes that is the hardest question to ask yourself; and an even harder one to answer. There are so many different areas of a relationship, of a connection with someone (some more vital than others), that need to be in line in order to function well. Some of those areas include: emotional, physical, sexual, intellectual, spiritual, views/opinions, parenting concerns, financial, etc. The majority, if not all, need to be pretty much aligned otherwise something may fall off balance and create a reason to break up...or at least question whether you want to break up or not...potentially several times (with maybe even weeks, months, or years in between those times).

One should take a lot of things into consideration before just ending something that used to seem "perfect." First and foremost, where's your passion? Some issues, trivial or not, can be handled or worked through as long as you both have a history of good communication or a plan to create that good communication. Does your passion lay with your heart, your emotional connection, your desire for love & companionship...or does your passion lay between their legs...or yours for that matter?

Truth is... your answer should be both. A solid combination of a healthy emotional state and a healthy sexual connection is what makes for a long-lasting relationship. If it is strongly one side or the other...and the half that isn't strong has issues then it's time to sit down and consider YOUR PERSONAL HAPPINESS. Relationships need passion, need a zest, need something that continuously create sparks in all aspects.

Typically questions of the future will come up and can be discussed, but you can't settle for second best. If your partner doesn't fulfill all areas - to the point where you don't discuss them, don't attempt to communicate nor really want to communicate, and think about what it would be to be without them/question why you're with them then you should really think about breaking up. Don't short yourself of PASSION! it is NOT just for the "honeymoon phase" of the relationship. For example, I know this one man who after marrying his wife sent her flowers every week because she loved them so much. Their sex life must have been wonderful, also, to be married for over 20+ years...Don't deny yourself happiness - it's the one time that it is okay to be truly selfish.

Speaking of honeymoon phases, once you're in love it should always be honeymoon phase. The getting to know each other and finding things in common is just the foundation, but you should always be feeling butterflies, or happy/content with your partner. Minor fights and things you work through don't take the love away, but if when back in a state of 'calm' you need to be that happy and content again.

Follow your heart, but also follow your passion. People have passions for all sorts of different things: recreational, professional, leisure, sex, other people.... and having passion, love, fulfillment, etc. is wonderful. Relationships are full of that too, or at least should be. Make your choices wisely, don't jump to conclusions, don't be impulsive or spiteful, don't overreact - but take your time (if you're thinking you're missing something...that there's something not quite right about your relationship) and mull it over a while. No one can make you happier than you can make yourself.