When it's over

When it comes to hard times in a relationship, theories on how to handle this problem seem to be divided by the generational gap. The wisdom of my elders seems to suggest it's possible to work through anything, while my passionate and fast-paced teenage co-workers are always "moving on to the next." I, finding myself right in the middle , am starting to believe it is truly a combination of both; some things are worth staying for and some people are worth running in the opposite direction. Quickly. With age comes pet peeves, and thus, a level of personal tolerance. Anybody, who encounters people EVER, has learned what they can and cannot deal with in another person, romantically or otherwise. That sounds easy to me. Unfortunately, once emotions get involved, the ease seems to fade into the complication of tears, sadness, and I love you's. How is a person supposed to know when they've tried hard enough, and when is it okay to hurt another person's feelings in salvation of your own? Can the leaver ever truly convey to the left that this is the best thing for both of us?? When do you know it's the time to hurt another person in exchange for your freedom....