An expiration date

Barney: You're getting married? Don't get married!
Ted: Barney, the story isn't over.

I wanted it to work. So bad. Too much, I'm afraid. I mean, it all made sense. We made sense. We have been friends for-like-ever, we like the same things, we have the same sense of humor. The few problems. He doesn't live here, at least right now and he doesn't want to get married. I, on the other hand, live here and do want to get married someday. I want a family, I want kids, I want to come home to someone everyday. I don't know if I can handle being with someone who doesn't want to get married.

Ted: We have an expiration date, don't we?
Robin: Let's not talk about this now, ok?
Ted: No.

Later

Robin: You stole the blue French horn for me.
Ted: I would have stolen you a whole orchestra.


We would have had an expiration date. As sad and hard for me to comprehend that, it's true. We could go on and pretend these things don't matter but we both know it wouldn't stay that way. We would be forced to go different directions, even if we didn't want to. I mean, he's so very important to me, I love him, I need him but I can't be with him.

Barney: You broke up?
Ted: Barney, the story isn't over.

It all comes back to the list. The list I want in someone. He has so many of the qualities I desire but there are 2, which I have to have. A belief and marriage. And it's hard for me to realize he isn't the one. But I guess it's better to know now than later.

But it still makes me sad.

Barney: You broke up.
Ted: [nodding] We broke up.

How I Met Your Mother
Season 2
Episode 22
Something Blue