1) if one is in a relationship that one knows\feels isn't working out because of some deep running and subtle irreconcilable differences, or 'just because';

2) but one is afraid to make a move to end it (for the fear of hurting another person, or for the fear of change, or for the fear of being lonely, or for some personal gain etc);

3) than it is the same as covertly "asking" the other person to take the responsibility and end it;

4) than it is very likely that the other person WILL make that move, in a most inopportune time, and chances are pretty high that it will be ugly.

Hind sight is 20\20, but may be this lesson, learned from an old and all-out-wrong relationship, will help someone.