So, are you familiar with the Relationship Escalator? The whole idea that society is structured to push people in relationships through this series of phases (dating, moving in, marrying, kids, etc.)? With the idea that staying put at any tier is somehow failing?

I think that’s relevant here. I think that taking on others’ metrics and rubrics is unhelpful; putting the time and effort to figure out why you do this for yourself is what I’d do.

Obviously, I love this secret project and am really excited about it, so I have a vested interest in your answers, maybe, but whatever, ignore that. I think that feeling like you’re (personally) topping out and abandoning a thing is a response that might be worth interrogating. Is there a way for you to continue to find value in a thing without feeling that you’re pushing up? Maybe, maybe not, but it’s worth pursuing clarity on.