Seven signs it may be time to call it quits

Think it might be time to keep it moving? You certainly don't need a relationship expert to tell you when you should call it quits. Here are certain telltale signs that should never be ignored.

1. Your other half has no real place anywhere in your future plans or vice versa. If you or your significant other can't see beyond today, then why exactly are you together?

2. You constantly fantasize or daydream about other people during intimate moments (or any moment for that matter). It might be somewhat normal to be distracted every now and then but if your boyfriend/girlfriend never does it for you, something is very wrong there.

3. You feel a happy sense of freedom when you are not around him or her. If you always look forward to those moments when he or she is away, why are you even in that relationship?

4. You both have different goals. Love does not conquer all. Relationships are like a business partnership, and it is important for both parties to see eye to eye on most things. Good luck to you if you think love alone is going to pay for the mortgage on that house.

5. You find out your mate is cheating on you. Cheating is completely unacceptable and downright disrespectful. Move on and find someone who won't betray your trust.

6. The thought of kissing him or her (much less any other physical contact) is tormenting you. Physical attraction is an essential component of a relationship. Quit torturing yourself already.

7. You just want to be single. This one really needs no explanation. So, what are you waiting for?

These may all seem like a given, but the funny thing about people in relationships is that they often fail to see things rationally. Feelings get involved. Guilt about hurting the other person becomes an issue. Fear of never finding someone else takes over and the next thing you know, way too much time has passed stressing the various possibilities. Sometimes the less you think about it, the better.

Think of it like ripping off a band-aid, or better yet wax. It will hurt like hell at the moment, but later on you'll be glad you did it. And you'll probably wonder why you didn't end things sooner.

Claudia Frias/Terra USA