A hideous prospect when the one that you're dating could be The One That Got Away.

You're so happy being a couple. You have your problems with each other, but when you're together, they seem to evaporate. Holding her in your arms after a fit of passion, the chafing of issues reluctantly spoken of disappears. Walking around in the chill autumn air, hand in hand, blissful for moment, loving each other. Quietly sitting and not doing much of anything.

One more medicated peaceful moment
Orestes, A Perfect Circle

But then, a catalyst appears. Whatever it may be: school, work, money. Somehow, those peaceful moments seem stolen; a distorted glass through which one was peering. A glass that was shattered. The cracks and fissures allow the harsh light of reality through, hurting your eyes and your heart as you see the things that must be addressed.

Things that commonly cause sadness and unpleasant emotions.

And everything seems that much worse because of the apparent peacefulness. It feels like everything is falling down around you, and there is nothing to be done about it. Suddenly things disintegrate, and you're confused and lonely. The one person who could easily make this feeling go away is the cause of the feeling. You're both confused and scared, with the deadline for decisions to be made about your problems fast approaching. It hurts, because no matter what happens, one of you gets fucked. The decision will not go away without a sacrifice. Either outcome causes a problem. And you are not sure about anything. Uncertainty becomes a constant companion. Until, tired of the fighting and frustration...

You find yourself saying to them: I don't want you to be The One That Got Away.
is exaggeration considered fiction?