When Penny uncovers the truth in Leonard and Stephanie’s relationship, that they are only dating because she likes him, Penny decides to council Leonard on the subject. She tells him that his feelings are just as important as everybody else’s, and this gives Leonard the courage to break up with Stephanie… he thinks. After failing to break up several times, he doesn’t know whether to stay in an unsuccessful relationship, or break up and stay single until he can find someone else.