In a healthy relationship lingering would never happen. This occurs because people behave like monkeys at times,they do not like to let go of one " branch" until they have a firm hold on another. So they allow people to linger, for ego, appearances loneliness, substance use, abuse , financial needs etc. In a healthy relationship proper communication, understanding, empathy would all be employed to have a more positive outcome. So if lingering occurred the relationship was unhealthy to begin with and had no real chance of success with the relationship skill levels of the couple at the time. Better question , why am I in unhealthy relationships?