Chronic On and Off Again Relationships

Jessica
How do you feel about them? Are they the same as a relationship that's been completely on for the same amount of time? I have a old high school friend I just reconnected with and she has been with her SO for 6 years on and off. One moment they're together and the next they're not. There has been breaks as short as a week and as long as a year. She says sometimes 'We've been together just as long as so and so' To me personally I feel it's not the same. But wanted to see what others though so maybe I could understand it more.