Eldric to common translation start_
Honestly, I don't. People grow apart, it happens. I have the feeling that Tensin and Lin grew up together, mistook a deep friendship for lasting love, and didn't want to risk what they had by admitting it wasn't working.
A prime example of this is his reaction to her attacker in the stadium. There was no malice, no hidden passion, no desire for a second chance. Just a deep seat concern for some one who is close to him. The same can be said for Lin.
They are two very close friend who had a falling out that took the Avatar to repair.
_translation end.