Satisfied partners believe their relationship has met their expectations. A happy couple describes knowing that their partner was right for them, even if they faced some trouble along the way. What matters is how couples interpret the negative and positive events in their history. Even if there are a number of negative events, happy couples can discuss how they grew together from those events—even if they resulted in a temporary disconnection.
Deciding to end a relationship can be one of the most challenging decisions a person can make. However, there are certain signs that may indicate it is time to move on.
Emotional Distance
One clear indicator that it may be time to leave a relationship is when you begin to feel emotionally distant from your partner. If you find yourself no longer feeling connected or invested in the relationship, it may be a sign that the bond has weakened beyond repair.
However, compromising on goals that are truly important to you can leave you feeling hurt, resentful, and angry with your partner – all hallmarks of bad relationships. For this reason, it’s important to determine if breaking up is the right thing for you, your partner, and your relationship. For example, if you’re unhappy in the relationship but you’re afraid of being alone or if you feel guilty about leaving, it may not be fair to you or your partner to stay. Staying together simply because you are afraid your partner would have their heart broken is another example of a potentially unhealthy reason to stay. While most every decision in a partnership should be mutual, the decision to break up does not have to be.
Are limiting beliefs about being single keeping you from finding the courage to leave a bad relationship? When you learn to change these stories, you’ll change your life. Another indictor that it may be time to leave unhealthy relationships is when your partners expects you to change. It’s possible for people in an abusive relationship to love an abusive partner. One in four women and one in 10 men have been victims of intimate partner violence, according to a 2015 survey conducted by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention. Do you replay the happy moments of the relationship to make you feel good about it?
Lack of Trust
Trust is the foundation of any healthy relationship. If you find yourself constantly questioning your partner’s actions or motives, and cannot trust them fully, it may be a sign that the relationship is no longer serving you.
By joining a support group, you’ll connect with a group of people who know what it’s like to escape these types of relationships and can offer guidance and support during your journey. If you can’t figure out why you’re detaching, consider reaching out to a healthcare or mental health professional. Talking with someone may help you determine why you’re doing it and how to do it in a way that’s best for you.
Unhappiness
Depending on the circumstances, keeping things quiet initially can add to the excitement, but there comes a point when being their “little secret” is more degrading than anything else. You deserve to know your partner is proud of you and committed to the relationship. Show up for your loved ones every day, not just on February 14th. There is a major difference between couples who last and couples who separate. Happy couples tell their Story of Us with warmth, affection, and respect for each other. We leave because we’re not happy, not thriving, lacking _______ (you know the drill; fill in the blank).
If being in the relationship consistently brings more unhappiness than joy, it may be time to reevaluate. Your emotional well-being should not be compromised for the sake of staying in a relationship that no longer serves you.
Abuse
One of the most crucial signs that it is time to leave a relationship is if you are experiencing any form of abuse – whether it is physical, emotional, or verbal. Your safety and well-being should always come first, and staying in an abusive relationship is never worth it.
Overall, listening to your instincts and paying attention to how you feel in the relationship can help you determine when it is time to walk away. Remember that leaving a relationship that no longer serves you is an act of self-care and self-love.
