Relationships are complicated. And the longer you’ve been in one, the more complicated the dynamics of it can be. But there comes a time when it’s necessary to end a relationship for your well-being and/or the well-being of your partner. Here is a look at some potential signs that it may be time to end your relationship. But if you’re in a long-term relationship and you love your partner, try to see if you can make the relationship work before ending it.
The Cheating Partner
Infidelity can happen in any relationship. Some relationships survive the infidelity if the guilty partner is deeply sorry, promises not to do it again (and keeps that promise), and if there’s a strong love bond between the partners. There are also many times where one partner has a history of repeated infidelities. It’s probably time to end your relationship if your partner has multiple infidelities since it shows a lack of care for your feelings or your physical health and the risk of spreading STDs. There’s also the chance that there were many more infidelities you haven’t discovered.
The Abusive Partner
End the relationship immediately if your partner is physically, mentally or emotionally abusive. Abusive partners don’t stop permanently and may only stop the abuse long enough to lull you into a sense of security so you’ll stay. There are many resources available to individuals wishing to escape an abusive relationship. Check your local phonebook for these resources. Police will need to get involved if you fear for your life.
Indifference
Do you find that whatever interested you in the person now doesn’t even irritate you and that you feel apathetic towards your partner? This can be a sign to end a relationship especially if you’re just in the early dating stages. If you’re in a long term relationship and indifference rears its ugly head, you may still be able to salvage your relationship if both partners are willing to undergo professional therapy. Note that everyone feels some indifference at some point in their relationships and a twinge or two of indifference isn’t always a sign you should end your relationship.
Communication and Respect
If you can’t talk to and with your partner anymore, then you may be heading towards relationship problems or are simply incompatible. Good communication involves respect between both partners for each other. If your partner constantly shows contempt and disrespect for you, it may be time to end the relationship. Sometimes this contempt and disrespect can be emotional or mental abuse. The same holds true the other way around. If you can’t respect your partner then you shouldn’t be with that person.