It’s Not Over Til It’s Over - Lucas and Mattie are on the rocks – so when is it time to let go?

The course of true love never runs smooth, and Lucas and Matilda are the latest lovebirds feeling the pressure. "When will you get it through your head that there's no us anymore, we have broken up, "Lucas spits angrily to a bewildered Mattie, "What else do I need to say!"

Sometimes it’s clear as crystal to both parties when a relationship has run its course, other times it can be messier than Kim and Jack’s bachelor pad. Just because you still have feelings for your better half doesn’t mean they do too – and while it’s a cliché, sometimes "it’s not you, it’s me" does hold water. So when do you know it’s time to let go??

The first step is calm communication. You won’t get to the bottom of any relationship drama when one person is giving the Hulk a run for his money. Give the stitch a few days to settle, then meet in a neutral place to discuss the problem. Be clear in your mind what you want and need, and be prepared to listen to what might not be a sunshine-and-lollypops discussion – unwittingly, you might be acting in a way that has started to push your partner away or upset them.

The most important thing is to listen to what your lover is saying, not just talk at them or interpret everything into what you want to hear. Real relationships are about compromise and growth –it’s not necessarily a bad thing some conflict has arisen, it could be a chance to address and fix underlying issues that will make your bond stronger than ever.

After your D+M, if you don’t feel like things are on a better path, it’s time to back down. Make it clear you still want the relationship to work, but that you understand you can’t force it. Ask if it’s OK to meet for a coffee in a few weeks – absence makes the heart grow fonder, and time apart could be just what the doctor ordered to rekindle feelings of lurve.

If you love something set it free, if it’s meant to be, it’ll find its way home. If not, hey, there’s plenty more fish in Summer Bay and you’re bound to land a keeper sooner rather than later!