rationalskepticism.org

I don't really have a problem with people waiting, whether they are real or in books. It only becomes a problem if they are unhappy. If they marry once, lose their partner somehow and then remain happily alone for the remainder of their days because that one person was special to them and they don't really want or need to replace them, I don't see the problem.

However, the scenario you suggest-- a young girl strung along by a clearly problematic boyfriend-- is different from a mature woman or man deciding not to partner with someone again. This, I agree, is trouble and I suspect is less to do with love than insecurity and other issues.