Knowing When to End a Relationship
Relationships can nourish our lives, but they can also cause us a tremendous amount of pain. Whether it’s a friend, family member, or significant other, every relationship comes with its share of challenges. More often than not, putting in the effort to repair ruptures in a relationship can and does result in a healthier bond.
But there are those relationships that, no matter the amount of work and goodwill put into them, probably won't bring a return on your time or heart investment. Sometimes, it's healthier to say goodbye so you both can heal, grow, and move on.
3 Signs the Relationship Needs to End
There are More Negative Interactions Than Positive Ones
Every relationship has its positive interactions and it's not-so-positive ones. But there are those relationships that seem like every interaction is tense and filled with painful emotions. When you find yourself dreading seeing someone or coming away with anger and disappointment more often than not, it's time for an open conversation about what's going wrong. If you've done everything you can to open that line of communication, it might be time to move on.
Vastly Different Needs
In the beginning of a new friendship or romance, it’s often easy to try and compromise with one another, making certain both person’s needs are being met. Over time, some friends or couples realize their needs are too different.
For instance, in a romantic relationship, one partner may wish to become a parent and the other may not. This is a moment when the partners can't really compromise, because you either welcome a child into your home or not. If both members of the couple find themselves on opposite sides after good faith exploration, they may need to separate in order for everyone to get their needs met.
A Blatant Lack of Respect
Respect is essential in relationships. If you find that your partner is often criticizing, mocking, or ignoring you, you are likely on the receiving end of a lack of respect. If your partner then avoids or blames you once you bring up these concerns, it's unlikely you'll be able to repair this relationship. Remember, you are deserving of empathy and validation, and your partner should take your concerns seriously.
This is by no means an exhaustive list of signs, but these three are some of the most common and problematic signs.
Letting Go and Moving On
Once you know it is time to end the relationship, you may find that your head and heart waffle back and forth, wondering if you are making the right decision. This is why it’s always a good idea to have someone in your corner you can rely on to give you honest feedback, sound advice, and clarity.
Sometimes you can find this champion in your network of friends and family, but other times it might be best to find a totally neutral third party. Someone you never have to wonder whether they are “just saying that” because they love and care about me.
Clinicians at Riverside Psychology can help you navigate your intense emotions and make the best decision for your happiness and peace of mind.
If you are currently struggling in a relationship and would like some help navigating it, please reach out to me. I would be more than happy to discuss how I may be able to help.
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