Why did I start dating, and why did I stop?

For the longest time I was involved in a long distance relationship.  Never a good idea.  I had some people try and tell me a few things but ultimately I stayed.  I didn't have it in me to end a relationship.  I don't know why I became that way but essentially I did not want to cause another pain, so I developed a pattern where I would not end a relationship no matter how hard it was.