Are you reading this because something feels off in your relationship? Maybe you’re wondering how happy you’re or if it is really happiness or not. Maybe you’re struggling with the terrifying idea of leaving a partner or spouse.
If you’re thinking of leaving a relationship, let us make it clear that this doesn’t make you selfish and it also doesn’t mean you’re failed. There is a possibility that you didn’t find the right match to build a relationship.
Relationships are complicated and it’s never easy to decide if you should leave a relationship.
You deserve to feel valued, loved and happy. However if this isn’t the case with you, you might be wondering if you should leave that relationship?
In this article, we’ll share some signs of when to leave a relationship. We’ll also share effective strategies to make the right choice for you.
So keep reading to learn more about when to leave a relationship.
Table of Contents
Recognizing the Right Time to Leave a Relationship
Photo Credit: Lovepanky
You may be wondering if you’re overthinking about leaving a relationship or if there is something that’s truly wrong. When you’ve to trust your instincts, the battle inside you is very exhausting.
If you’re not happy and are doubtful about your relationship for a long time, then knowing when to leave the relationship is very important for your mental, emotional and even physical health.
Leaving a relationship shouldn’t be a hasty judgement or instantly responding to a disagreement. You should analyze your relationship whether it is helping you to grow or restricting you and costing on your mental health.
Let’s now discuss signs that your relationship may no longer be healthy or fulfilling.
6 Red Flag Signs Telling When to Leave a Relationship?
Have you noticed or experienced consistent behaviours that are very uncomfortable or uneasy for you? Although no one is perfect neither are relationships. However some red flags are non negotiable. So if you see following red flags then this is the time when to leave a relationship;
- Abuse in Any Form
Abuse can’t be justified or tolerated at any cost. If you’re facing abuse of any type, whether it is physical, verbal, emotional or financial abuse, this is the time that you should leave this relationship.
You should never excuse abusive behaviour with love or history with someone. You deserve a partner who makes you always feel safe with no exceptions.
- Constant Dishonesty
If your partner is breaking your trust again and again, leaving you in a situation where you cannot trust him again, then this is the time to leave the relationship.
Are you always finding lies, big or small? If you can’t trust your partner enough to share a life together, honestly then that’s a huge sign to move on.
- Controlling Behavior
Are you walking on eggshells or losing your sense of self esteem? In a healthy relationship, you can be completely yourself. If your partner tries to isolate you or manipulate you, it’s time to figure out how much you’re losing.
- Toxicity That Drains You Ongoing
When you start a new relationship, you may not notice it, but relationships can become toxic over time without you even realizing it. These toxic relations can destroy your happiness.
Do you wonder why you feel so drained or anxious after spending time together? This is a clear indication that you’re living in a toxic relationship with no pleasure and charm. This is the time you should decide to move on.
- Emotional Exhaustion
Do you feel that you’re the one doing all the emotional labor? If your relationship is leaving you exhausted, this is even more harmful that you realize it. If you’re always drained of emotional exhaustion, whether due to constant arguments, one sided effort or the never ending drama, you’re done with the relationship.
- Disrespect
You must ask a hard question from yourself,
- Do you feel respected by your partner?
- How does he/she speak to you?
- How does he/she treat your boundaries?
- Whether he/she sees you as an equal or not?
If you’re satisfied with your answers, then you’ve respect for your partner. Disrespect continues to eat away at the foundation of a healthy relationship.
Desrespect leads to toxicity and shows deeper incompatibilities. And speaking of this, it’s important to acknowledge when you and your partner may just not be right for each other anymore.
Irreconcilable Differences That Can’t Be Overlooked
You and your partner could truly love each other and yet be fundamentally at odds with one another. It’s okay to say love isn’t always enough. Sometimes it means understanding when to leave a relationship because you’ve grown apart or you don’t share the same values anymore.
Your partner doesn’t want kids, and do you? Perhaps one of you dreams of city living and the other needs the countryside to be happy. These may seem like far away conflicts, but if not dealt with early, they can lead to resentment and dissatisfaction.
Do you keep getting into the same arguments over and over? If there are certain issues that you can’t seem to resolve such as money or communication styles or lifestyle choices. then you may have reached an impasse.
An even bigger problem is a lack of mutual support, while differences can strain a relationship. Even the strongest bonds fail without this.
The Absence of Respect, Love, and Support
Photo Credit: Your Dost
Love alone can not build a relationship. Respect and support from your partner are equally important and lack of these qualities can make you resentful or lead to deep unhappiness over time.
Do you find yourself going through life’s challenges all alone, even though you have a partner? It should be a partnership; a relationship where both people lift each other up.
The glue in a relationship is both physical and emotional intimacy. If this connection is missing for too long and not worked on, it could mean something deeper.
Now that we have discussed when walking away might be necessary, let’s talk about how to actually approach this overwhelming decision.
How to Objectively Assess Your Relationship?
We’ve talked about the signs. An even deeper evaluation is needed to know when to leave a relationship. Take a step back, and ask yourself these questions.
- Are you happy most of the time?
As with all relationships, ups and downs are inevitable, but if you’ve spent more days unhappy than you can remember, take notice. Your relationship should make your life better, not worse.
- Are Your Needs Being Met?
It covers emotional, physical and practical needs. Ask yourself if all compromises, conversations, and mutual efforts have been exhausted, or ignored.
- Did You Attempt to Change the Situation for the Better?
If you’ve done everything possible to solve the problem like open communication, couple therapy, setting boundaries but still there is no improvement in your relationship with your partner, then it’s time to ask yourself an honest question, “Is it still worth staying?”.
After you’ve thought it through and come to the conclusion that it might be time to leave, don’t do it too quickly. That way you and your partner can part ways with dignity and respect.
How to Navigate the End of a Relationship?
So you’ve finally decided that it’s the time to leave a relationship considering all the red flags and after careful consideration and trying everything possible. What next? There should be a healthiest and most constructive way possible to leave the relationship.
You don’t have to have a dramatic or hurtful breakup conversation, but it should be honest. Sit down with your partner in a private time and place and explain your feelings in a thoughtful way.
There’s a bit of relief, and a bit of guilt, over breaking up. Surround yourself with supportive friends, family, or a therapist to work through what you’re going through.
Once you break up, set boundaries so no one gets confused or broken hearted for no reason. If it’s setting up no contact periods or limiting the casual texts, do what works best for your emotional recovery.
Even if it was the right choice, you’ll probably feel a sense of loss. Take time and space to find yourself outside the relationship. It’s your chance to reset, to commit to your goals, and create the life you want to live.
Final Words
Leaving a relationship is one of the hardest decisions you’ll make in your life. It takes courage, introspection and emotional strength.
When you leave a relationship, remember that you are not obligated to live a lie in a relationship where you are unhappy or being hurt. As someone who takes care of his/her partner deserves equal love, respect.
Whether you choose to stay or not, we hope you know you will thrive. Trust yourself and know that what begins always comes to an end.
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