Knowing When to End a Relationship

Relationships can enrich our lives, but they can also cause damage. Whether it’s a friend, family member, or significant other, any relationship comes with its share of challenges. And more often than not, putting in the effort to resolve relational issues 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, will never bring a return on your time or heart investment. These relationships are toxic, and they need to be ended in order for you to heal and move on.

3 Signs the Relationship Needs to End

• There are More Negative Interactions Than Positive Ones

Every relationship has its good interactions and its not-so-good ones. But there are those relationships that seem like almost every interaction is tense and filled with negative emotions. When communication becomes consistently difficult or impossible, the relationship may be beyond fixing without some serious professional help.

• Vastly Different Needs

In the beginning of a new friendship or romance, it’s easy to try and compromise with one another, making certain both person’s needs are being met. Over time though, some friends or couples realize their needs are just too different.

For instance, in a romantic couple, someone may need more sex than the other. Someone may need to always be in control or have a need to lie. These kinds of clashing needs are a red flag for any relationship. This is not to say that issues such as these are not repairable; however, unless both parties are committed to the lengthy process, there is no future for this relationship.

Don’t get me wrong, there are couples who are vastly different in many areas who make their relationships work… and work very well. The difference, is that both people are committed to the relationship and have great respect for the sanctity of it. They acknowledge each others needs and meet them happily. Communication is also not an issue here either, because each person realizes that it is essential to maintain peace. This is not to say that there won’t be problems or contention; however, relationships built on a foundation of mutual respect, vulnerability and trust are much more prepared to handle them when they arise.

• A Blatant Lack of Respect

Respect is essential in relationships. But sometimes there are those individuals that seem incapable of respecting the other person, their needs, their boundaries, their wishes, etc. These people tend to be on the narcissistic spectrum and are incapable of having empathy or respect for others’ needs. Although not all issues regarding disrespect for a partner involve a narcissist (a label that is often vastly and inaccurately overused), they still need to be taken very seriously, as the one feeling disrespected is hurting and deserves peace. Often times, disrespect is unintentional and just an area of miscommunication, especially when this behavior is not the norm.

Letting Go and Moving On

Once you know it is time to end the relationship, you may find that your head and heart are in a battle with themselves, 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.

A life coach can help you navigate your intense emotions and make the best decision for your happiness and peace of mind. Having been in this difficult situation myself more than once, I can empathize with the emotions you’re experiencing and provide you with some valuable tools for dealing with them…and most importantly, taking your life back!

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.

Much Love,

Angie