Deciding whether or not to stay in a relationship can be a tough choice, with feelings of guilt and the fear of becoming alone often being an obstacle.
However, it’s essential to keep in mind that only you are capable of setting your standards of how you wish to be treated and if these standards are being violated it may be time for action to be taken against those responsible.
Table of Contents
1. Do You Want to Save the Relationship?
No matter your feelings for another, staying in an unhealthy relationship should never be justified. Being around toxic behavior is taxing both physically and emotionally – so if there are constant arguments or their behavior makes you feel abused, resentful, or anxious then perhaps now is the time for change.
Healthy relationships require compromise, sacrifice and adjustments from both parties involved; but if you find yourself constantly on the defensive and making all of the effort to sustain it yourself, it may be time to consider leaving.
If you find yourself sacrificing your goals, needs, and interests for another, this could be a telltale sign they aren’t the one. While breaking up can be hard-heartedly painful, saying goodbye could ultimately prove liberating; giving you time to consider why things went wrong as well as planning future partnerships – Emerg Adulthood researchers found that individuals who understood why they ended their relationship were better prepared to find one in the future.
2. Do You Want to Save Yourself?
Save yourself to take back control over your life. Decide for yourself how you wish to spend and define your time here; stop allowing other people dictate those decisions for you. Explore new hobbies or even start new careers while knowing that you are taking care of yourself first.
Parting ways with an emotionally abusive or damaging relationship can be extremely challenging. But if the person involved has become emotionally draining and has broken your trust, it may be time to move on.
When in an unhealthy relationship, it’s easy to fall victim to the “sunk cost fallacy.” Instead of considering what life would look like without them in it – this exercise is one of the most powerful ways of using your walk away power.
3. Do You Want to Save Your Relationship?
Though romantic relationships can have ups and downs, it is also essential that partners understand when certain declines signal that something significant may be missing from their union. If this seems like it could be happening with you or someone close to you, take note and recognize when things seem off course.
As an example, you may notice that your partner doesn’t always listen or treat you with dignity – this should be a major red flag and should it continue, then it might be time for an exit strategy.
Another good reason for walking away could be if your partner is self-absorbed. If they show no regard for your needs or use guilt trips as tactics against you, saving the relationship probably isn’t worth the trouble. By making this choice and walking away from this unhealthy relationship, it puts yourself first and takes steps towards living a healthier life – it is an emotional decision but those that do manage it tend to succeed in future relationships because they realize they cannot devote all their efforts into a relationship that doesn’t appreciate them back.
4. Do You Want to Save Yourself?
No matter your relationship status, the most crucial one should always be with yourself. Your health and happiness are of utmost importance, so if an environment that’s toxic to you is creating havoc for both parties involved then it may be time for change.
Walking away can be an extremely powerful force. It allows you to regain your personal power, establish firm boundaries with someone, and focus on yourself, rebuild your self-esteem, and find happiness.
As soon as you take steps to leave a relationship, it sends a strong signal about who you are as an individual and that abusive behaviors will no longer be tolerated regardless of emotional ties. When considering when and how to leave a relationship it can be daunting but in such circumstances speaking with a therapist about options will help make informed decisions that are in your best interests.
5. Do You Want to Save Your Relationship?
Studies show that frequent breakups can lead to psychological distress and decrease life satisfaction. Walking away means respecting yourself, knowing you are complete in yourself and giving yourself new options; though this step can be hard and emotionally draining, ultimately it can be rewarding and liberating.
Romantic relationships can be complicated, and many individuals struggle with knowing when it is the appropriate time to leave or stay. Deciding when it is best for themselves and their own well-being to leave may not always be straightforward, but making the correct choice for yourself and your wellbeing should always come first.
If you can no longer feel safe in your environment and your emotional needs are going unmet, then it may be time for a change. No one deserves to live in such an unhealthy relationship and deserve happiness in their life. If unsure, take some time apart – between 1 month and 3 – from each other before considering returning together to try to resolve whatever was causing pain in the first place.
