Relationships can enrich our lives, but they can also cause damage. Whether it’s with a friend, family member, or significant other, relationships can come with their share of challenges.
More often than not, putting in the effort to resolve relational issues can and does result in a healthier bond. However, 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.
Three Signs the Relationship Needs to End
1. 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 where every interaction seems tense and filled with negative emotions. When communication becomes impossible, the relationship is beyond fixing.
2. Vastly Different Needs
In the beginning of a new friendship or romance, it’s easy to compromise with one another, making certain both persons' needs are being met. Over time, though, some friends or couples realize that their needs are too different. For instance, in a romantic couple, someone may need a lot more sex than the other. Someone may need to always be in control or lie. These kinds of clashing needs can be a red flag for a relationship.
3. A Blatant Lack of Respect
Respect is essential in relationships. However, some individuals seem incapable of respecting others, their needs, their boundaries, their wishes, etc. These people might even be on the narcissistic spectrum and are incapable of having empathy or respect for others.
This is by no means an exhaustive list of signs, but these three tend to be 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 with whom you never have to wonder whether h/she is “just saying that” out of love and care for you.
A therapist 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.
