Are you clinging to a broken relationship? Maybe the signs are there that it is time to call it quits. Ending things can be difficult, especially when ending a relationship: how to let your partner know; can you let them down gently or do you need to make a hard, clean break? Sometimes you may be able to work things out and you want to move cautiously. But sometimes leaving is simply what you must do. Here are some times when it is clear you should walk away as soon as possible and don't be intimidated by other factors.
1. When you must sacrifice your happiness to continue your relationship
To some extent, relationships are based on compromise. If you feel that something is wrong and that you are the only one who is making those compromises, that is a warning sign your partner has little regard for you. If your partner refuses to give as well, they are not treating you properly. Don't be misled into thinking it is always your fault and a problem for you to fix whenever an issue arises.
2. When there's no respect in your relationship
Respect is a cornerstone of a healthy relationship. Even when you disagree, there should always be respect. If your partner cannot afford proper respect, you should consider that a bad sign for the relationship itself. A severe lack of respect can even borderline on actual abuse. Verbal abuse is just as real as physical abuse and should not be tolerated. If you find yourself in this situation, you should consider leaving as soon as possible. Part of knowing when to walk away is understanding when this line has been crossed and responding accordingly.
3. When you cannot see the future with your partner
One thing we always do in a healthy relationship is plan for the future. If you find you're not doing this, it is an awfully bad sign. Ask yourself why you can't foresee a future with your partner. Is it something they've done? Or do you just have issues with long term commitment? If it is the former, and you've not been able to move past their infractions, the relationship may be doomed. If you can't even isolate anything your partner has done to be excluded from your future, it may simply be that they aren't the one for you. Sometimes, unfortunately, love just dies away. Or what you thought was a lasting love turns out to be more of an infatuation that wasn't meant to last.
4. When one or both of you don't make an effort to maintain your relationship
Apathy is one of the worst things that can creep into a relationship. If you find yourself just looking at the imperfections of your relationship and not having the will or effort to fix it, this could be a sign that things just aren't meant to be, and that your relationship is winding down. Loving someone means you are invested in the outcome of your union. Your apathy may be a strong indicator that things are not going to work out in the long-term.
5. When the bad memories occupy more than the good ones
We naturally tend to idealize the past, remembering the good times more often than the bad. However, the opposite can be true when we dislike someone. If you only tend to remember the bad things that have happened between you and your partner, perhaps there is some bitterness there that cannot be overcome.
6. When your partner is a serial cheater
If your partner has cheated more than once, there are several issues. Firstly, they clearly are no good at maintaining a relationship and this is not likely to be fixed. Moreover, their behavior may be an attempt to sabotage the relationship. Perhaps they want to end the relationship and lack the strength or honesty to do it themselves, so they are trying to drive you away with their behavior. This can be particularly true if your partner is doing this subconsciously. They might not even be aware they are destroying their own relationship.
7. When you start thinking about other people as possible partners
We build and maintain a relationship in an effort to find joy and improve our lives. This should always be the case. This truth is key to determining how to know when to walk away from a relationship. If you're starting to look at other people as possible partners, you must ask yourself why. Is your partner not providing something you need anymore?
8. When your partner enjoys making you jealous
A relationship is built on trust. Within that trust should be the assuredness that your partner is faithful and committed to you. If they actively seek to make you jealous, ask yourself if that is something you should tolerate or if you deserve someone who builds up your confidence, instead of trying to shake it.
9. When your relationship makes you cry more than smile
If you find yourself crying more than smiling in a relationship, there are likely one of two causes. Either your partner, unintentionally or intentionally, causes you to hurt. Regardless of which case it is, the solution will likely be the same – you need to leave them. The only difference is in determining how wary you should be. If it is unintentional, it may just be that you two make a bad couple. If this is the case, you may even still be able to be friends after you split from your ill-conceived relationship. If it is intentional, you should be far warier. You may need to rely on a network of friends or relatives to support you, as your partner may try to hurt you further for trying to leave.
When It Is Finally Time
Sometimes, you just know the relationship is over. You may be wondering how to walk away from a relationship. The easiest answer is a clean break as quickly as possible. You may not want to hurt anyone, but remember that you do have a right to be happy. Be true to yourself and don't be afraid to give yourself permission to find what you need. If the relationship feels wrong, you have every right to walk away. Simply put, you have a right to prioritize yourself.