I just ended a long relationship. Sixteen years. We went through a lot together, but in the end, I had to end it.

No one understands the complexity involved in ending a relationship. In this case, our problems went beyond simple communication. Though, to be honest, if I would have to testify, that would be the number one cause for the dissolution of the relationship. I couldn’t talk anymore. I spent most of my time waiting in silence. And then, when I could finally get a decent conversation, it would just fail. It ended in silence.

Even texting was useless.

It wasn’t always this way. In the beginning, things were wonderful. Conversations went uninterrupted. There were great benefits. Even when I was off roaming somewhere alone, I always could reach out and talk to someone.

Maybe it was the kids. It used to be just the two of us, and then suddenly, all these new people entered the conversations. It became overwhelming. Everyone was fighting for themselves and no one ever got what they wanted. We fought over time. We counted the minutes.

It wasn’t easy to leave. You tried to get me to stay. But this time I knew better than to believe your entreaties.

“It will be better.”

“Here’s a gift.”

“Come back. I miss you.”

Empty words. Empty promises. Sixteen years had taught me that.

I can’t say I wasn’t warned. People told me to leave. Years ago, when things started getting bad. They saw the abrupt conversations. The yelling into the phone. The constant aggravation. The dilated sighs.

I stayed for the wrong reasons. We had some things in common. Like Jack Bauer. And a love of fast things. We had great plans that kept changing. We went from friends, to family, to framily, to what we have now: nothing.

Change is not easy, that’s for sure. Even when all signs point to its necessity, making that initial leap is difficult. After all, we had a contract that we had entered into – a contract based on mutual needs and wants. I always held up my end, and every two years or so, I promised to stay with you.

No more.

But inasmuch as I am sad at this ending, I can’t help feeling excitement at the new beginning waiting at my fingertips. I’m happy. Finally. The channels are clear. The signals no longer mixed. The bar has been raised and I decided that I was worth more than what I was getting.

I don’t think we can stay friends. There is too much baggage there and I am moving on to better things.

So screw you, Sprint. You had your chance.

I’m going with AT&T.