Relationships may be in various forms, whether romantic, friendships, professional and so on. Many enter relationships hoping it will stand the test of time. Unfortunately, things don't always go as planned, and being in such situations raises questions about whether it's time to move on from the relationship.
While research has highlighted many reasons relationships break down, including the lack of trust, it is vital to recognise the signs that it is time to move on to avoid prolonging the inevitable and causing avoidable emotional pain for yourself or your partner. Below are ten signs it may be time to let go and seek a healthier and happier future.
Repeated trust betrayal
Trust is essential in any successful relationship, and if you often feel your trust has been betrayed, it may be time to assess whether to move on. That is especially vital if your trust is consistently betrayed, whether at the workplace, with your family or in your intimate relationship. There are many instances and relationships where trust cannot be rebuilt no matter how hard you try because much harm has already been done. At this point, counting your losses and moving on from such situations is best.
When the situation makes you feel horrible about yourself
If you are in a scenario that makes you feel bad about yourself all the time, it could be time to move on and find a place where you are valued. Are you trapped, afraid of being alone, or unsure of your worth without the relationship? These could indicate that you are in a toxic relationship and not worth sacrificing your emotional and mental well-being. After all, every good relationship should make you feel loved and supported, and constant manipulation, criticism or abuse is unhealthy.
You are always the one to compromise
The idea that a relationship should strive for a 50/50 balance is common, but it is important to recognise that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to relationships. While it can be helpful to aim for an equitable distribution of responsibilities and efforts, it is not always possible or healthy to try to achieve perfect balance. Each partner brings unique strengths, weaknesses, needs, and limitations to a relationship. However, if you notice you are the one always bending and sacrificing for the relationship, it’s best to consider whether to move on. If your partner hardly gives and always wants to have their way, it may be time to find a relationship where you are treated equally.
Promises are not followed through
Have you ever got to that point where you feel you can't take it anymore? Your partner could consistently assure you that things will change. However, not following through with their actions could lead to a never-ending cycle of disappointment and broken trust. In that case, consider leaving to seek your happiness and make things happen for you. Taking that step towards the unknown, towards something new and uncertain, can be understandably scary, but a chain of constant disappointments is never a better alternative. Your partner may never see how much their behaviour hurts and drives you away. Although it may be difficult initially, telling yourself enough is enough will help you take control and make the change you need for yourself.
The other party is too needy
Various life experiences may account for others’ habits, reactions, and emotions. However, there is a point where some behaviours, when done excessively, become inappropriate. For instance, having a needy partner could lead to many issues, such as a lack of trust and isolating you from everybody else, wanting you to feel their every need. When this goes on often, you are in an unhealthy relationship. Remember that you can't please everybody all the time. Therefore, giving them time, distance, and perspective to work on themselves is better for everyone.
Avoiding communication
Your partner could be avoiding communication for many reasons. Perhaps they are dealing with a personal issue or struggle or are unsure about the relationship's future. If you have attempted to communicate and your partner is still avoiding you, it may be time to reevaluate the relationship and consider moving on. Communication is a vital component of any healthy relationship. If your partner is unwilling or unable to do that with you, it can cause frustration, sadness, and loneliness. Your person may ignore your calls, pretend to be always busy, or block your contact altogether. Maybe you tried to reach out via phone or text but were unsuccessful. In that case, you can research online to find a way to determine that you've been blocked. Doing this can give you some closure in the long run.
Different fundamental values and beliefs
There must be some basic value similarity for any relationship to work. The similarities in these principles help keep the relationship together. It can be likened to a tree; without its roots to hold the soil together, all will crumble despite your best efforts. Even when other things are different, the fundamentals keep the relationship going even when the worst storms hit. Contrarily, everything may be perfect in your relationship. Still, differences in values and beliefs will bring the relationship to its knees and keeping the relationship together gets tougher till you have to end things.
Dwelling more on the past than the present
Do you relive joyful memories from your relationship to make yourself feel better or use these as justifications to stay with your partner? If so, it's a sign that your present relationship isn't working for you. The more you live in memories or an imagined future, the more you live in a self-constructed reality. That is risky since it may not reflect the true relationship state. Remember that your bond with the individual only lives in the now and not the past. It is okay to remember the past, but it is not a justification to keep holding on. Your decision to stay with the individual should be based on how you feel about them.
Recognising the signs that it's time to move on from a relationship can be incredibly difficult, but it's a necessary step for your development and well-being. Whatever your reasons or need to be in the relationship, you deserve to be in one where you're valued, respected, and fulfilled. Acknowledging the signs and making the difficult decision to move on opens opportunities for new beginnings, growth, and happiness.
