This question seems to arrive in The Male Room inbox almost everyday. And I understand it - generally it's fueled by a misconception that being in a relationship is an accomplishment and a fear of being alone. With the holidays coming up, this is particularly relevant. 

From our very earliest experiences we observe people in relationships. Our parents, grandparents and neighbors. We're taught that being in a relationship is something to strive for or achieve. Specifically, women are programmed to value themselves based on their ability to attract a mate. If that weren't misguidance enough, this perpetuates a fear of being alone which is really based more in being "not normal." As a result people get into relationships more often to avoid being "not normal" or feeling less than, than they do for true partnership. This, in turn, fuels our behavior of staying in relationships longer than we should, rather than continuing a search for a true loving partner.

So, is a mediocre relationship better than NO relationship? 

A mediocre relationship is something you can learn from, but not something that should be held onto like a life preserver. Maybe that's a bad analogy because unlike a life preserver, you'll be okay if you let go of the relationship. But the fear feels the same. When you've been conditioned to believe your self-worth is based in your partnership, it will seem traumatic to let go of it and experience aloneness. Paradoxically, these opportunities to experience self-survival are often the best opportunities for development of self-love. 

Your relationship is a direct reflection of you. At times that might be that you are growing and exploring while involved in a dating relationship. Fine. At other times you'll have to make a choice based on how you want your life to be - to stay in that relationship or not. So really the question becomes, "Do you want a mediocre life or the possibility of a full life?" Officially you'll answer that question for yourself and it will be reflected in your relationship. While I know it's scary to walk into the unknown, I believe that possibility is more powerful than existing mediocrity.