It's probably the hardest of all things to do. When you love each other, you're safe with each other, you're compatible in all ways under the sun and have been for years, you're comfortable in your poly, you're growing as a couple and as individuals and you've been together for many years.

Then it is THE hardest thing to do.

My needs are not being met. We've been through a year of working things through, talking to each other, talking to others, discovery, even some laughter along the way. But having felt I've exhausted all the avenues I'm about to do the hardest thing I have ever done and walk away. No matter what we do I end up feeling like second best to my metamour's needs. I've accepted that most of these feelings belong to me. I am, after all, not owed anything. Given that I can't walk away from some of the fundamental needs which drive my happiness, I feel the only thing that remains is walking away from the relationship.

Has anyone else had to do that? How did you know you'd exhausted all the avenues? Was there a way you brought it back? How long is too long to keep it going?