Just as common as the ‘It’s not you, it’s me’ line that gets dropped when ending a fling, one of the biggest cliché’s, yet still used lines, is the ‘I’m not ready for a relationship’.

While this isn’t a CSI case that will require a team of detectives to figure out the true meaning, it does throw the person on the receiving end a curveball that they can’t always hit due to the feelings involved.

Inadvertently, the question always remains, “when will you be ready for a relationship” and more importantly, “will you be ready for a relationship with me?”

So what is the purpose of these words?  Is there validity to the not so complicated structure, yet devastatingly confusing statement?

There may be a number of variables that come into play when trying to decipher the reason for the words you have heard.

That person could have just ended a long term relationship.  Maybe they’re at a point in their lives where work is demanding and relationships are a non-priority.  Perhaps they’re even playing the field because of the number of people they are currently ‘dating’.  Regardless, it ultimately boils down to the same fact.

The person is not ready for a relationship with you.  Ever.

As harsh as that may sound, there is something inherently keeping the person back from jumping into that boat of harmony with you and chances are, the reasons are deeper than either of you are willing to recognize.

When the situation feels right, and both parties are slamming on the accelerator, neither party is looking at the roadblocks that signal that they’re not ready… the good things in life take the front seat.

So next time you hear those dreaded six words, whether its directed at you or a friend, take a second to consider the true meaning of their intent.  Just because they don’t have the courage to see the truth and tell it like it is, doesn’t mean you have to be confused and walk that road of false-hope too often travelled.