How do you recognize when it's time to move on from a relationship? How do you know that the next step is to leave? When does staying become avoiding reality?
It can be hard to recognize when something that once was strong and beautiful in your life is no longer working. We don't want to let go, because we've invested ourselves in this person and it can be terrifying to enter uncharted waters. But in the end, sometimes, it's probably the most brave thing to do.
When relationships reach a point where neither person is actively giving to it, it might mean it’s time to part. It doesn't matter if the connection you shared was intense and special or gentler; any relationship can experience a point at which continuing it becomes more hurtful than it is helpful. It's crucial to explore whether the cause of this plateau is simply the natural progression of a relationship or the result of unresolved personal issues, though.
It's important to take a long, honest look within yourself to see what emotions are going on. It is a very simple, yet unbelievably difficult concept. You must be aware of your feelings, accept their significance, and understand the consequences they could have. Acknowledge the sadness that comes with letting someone go and walk away as a whole person rather than holding onto a piece of them just because you're scared to move forward.
At the same time, you also need to examine the relationship itself. Why aren't things progressing? Is it a mutual feeling? Are both parties still invested in the relationship? Even if one person is dedicated to making things work, the other person has to want it too, or else it will eventually fail. If the bond has been draining the energy from both people, instead of inspiring each individual to be the best versions of themselves, then it might be time to start thinking about what would be better for you as individuals. Otherwise, resentment will start to build and that never leads to a happy ending.
There are no set rules for breaking up. When it is time to depart – whether after years together or months -- it is essential to communicate why honestly and openly. You should own your decisions and feelings and not blame them on your partner. There is a big distinction between wanting to see where things lead and a conscious decision knowing it leads nowhere. The latter could be especially hard to accept, but ultimately it makes the situation much easier for everyone involved.
One of the most difficult parts of leaving a relationship is seeing the goodness that it offered us and feeling guilty for wanting more. Positive relationships remain a part of us, as they often appear without having been actively sought. Those moments are there, even after they’ve concluded. Learn how to carry them forward without dragging the baggage they left behind.
Leaving a difficult relationship, even when we know that “it” doesn't exist anymore, is still complicated. Recognizing the signs of a change in a relationship and the vitality of moving on can be difficult to accept, and those embers of a love that still glows need to be extinguished completely in order for growth to occur. It is essential to be brave and honest with yourself, to evaluate the entire picture, and make sure that you're accountable for your role in the line of events before saying goodbye. And once you’re on the other side of the goodbye and you have separated emotionally, there may be a sense of fear. Choose to have faith that new and different loves will come, should you choose to open your hands and heart again.
Recommended Comments
There are no comments to display.
Create an account or sign in to comment
You need to be a member in order to leave a comment
Create an account
Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!
Register a new accountSign in
Already have an account? Sign in here.
Sign In Now