Being in a toxic relationship should never be an option. But the tricky thing is, walking away from a relationship is never an easy thing to do.
The timing never seems to be right, there’s always someone who’ll get hurt, and the time you take to heal after the breakup will have a tremendous impact on your next relationship.
Unrequited love for the person who is left behind can be a very traumatic and deeply distressing experience.
The pain might be worsened when the reasons for the breakup aren’t true or valid. The person who’s being dumped is left confused, baffled, and filled with unanswered questions: What happened? Is it something I did? Why didn’t I see it coming?
On the other hand, it’s tough to decide to walk away from someone you still love. But what if walking away from a relationship is your only option? What if you can’t stand being abused and mistreated in your relationship?
You find yourself in a hopeless situation, trying to figure out whether you should stay in the relationship or not. There are so many different factors influencing your decision and you’re trying to decide if you and your partner have a future together.
But there are certain things in a relationship that no one should compromise and that’s toxic behavior.
It will only ever make you feel unhappy, incomplete, and miserable. Most of the time, you’ll be mistreated by your toxic partner and he won’t have your best interest at heart.
So, what if walking away from a relationship is your only option? Is it okay to just leave your partner behind?
The answer is quite simple. If your partner is displaying toxic behavior, YES, it is.
You should never be dissatisfied or unhappy in your relationship. That’s not what love is all about.
It’s not wrong to want to find your happiness elsewhere.
And you should start by improving your relationship with yourself because it’s the most important one and the first relationship of your life.
Relationships thrive and grow when you keep your promises, when you have the freedom to talk about everything with your partner, and where there is mutual respect.
On the other hand, if you’re the one pulling all the strings and putting all of your efforts into your relationship and your partner doesn’t reciprocate, then it’s in your best interest to walk away from him and find your own happiness.
So, when is the time to walk away from your partner?
When do you know that enough is enough and that walking away from your relationship is your only option?
1. When you’re barely tolerating his behavior
No one stays in love forever. There are different stages of love and as time passes and you get to know each other more, your bond becomes stronger and your relationship moves to the next level. So it should be, anyway.
Being in love forever is a lie told by those who want to make themselves feel comfortable about the choices that they made.
The truth is that the honeymoon stage doesn’t last forever – just like growing up is inevitable, even though everyone wants to stay a kid and never grow up.
So, once the honeymoon phase ends, the spark that was initially ignited between two people seems to be based on more than just plain physical attraction.
That’s when all the flaws and quirks are revealed and the real problems start to crop up.
It’s up to the couple to decide whether or not they can accept each other’s flaws and move on past them, or if they can’t, that it’s time to break up.
If you find yourself tolerating his behavior instead of adoring it, then this is the first sign telling you that you’re falling out of love with him.
Or maybe you already have, but you’re just having a hard time accepting that fact?
That’s when you know that walking away from your relationship is your only option, since you won’t be able to tolerate his behavior forever. If you do, it will destroy you.
2. When you recognize toxic patterns in his behavior
Your ability to walk away goes hand in hand with your ability to look beyond those grand gestures, flowers, expensive gifts, and even nice words.
It’s your responsibility to recognize the toxic patterns in your boyfriend’s behavior since it can save you from heartbreak.
Words mean nothing if he can’t back them with actions. That’s a fact.
You shouldn’t settle for someone who gives you empty promises and half-truths because such relationships won’t last long.
And just like actions overrule words, patterns overrule action.
Sometimes it’s difficult to accept someone’s toxic traits and imperfections when you’re madly in love with them.
You’re blinded by love and you fail to see all those red flags that are waving right in front of you.
But if you’re wondering about your partner’s character and emotional intelligence, then take a look at his patterns.
Remember, anyone can buy you flowers and pay you a compliment. It doesn’t mean it’s spoken from the heart.
Any guy can do something chivalrous.
However, the ability to recognize toxic patterns in his behavior allows you to see past the emotional nostalgia that is usually tied with grand gestures and compliments, and recognize the truth.
I know that walking away from your relationship might not be an option right now, but be careful not to miss this important red flag.
3. When you know he doesn’t respect you anymore
If you want to have a healthy and long-lasting relationship, you must respect each other fully.
The lack of it indicates that there is an imbalance in your relationship, which will eventually lead to a breakup.
When you know that your partner doesn’t value your opinion, thoughts, or needs, you’ll become dissatisfied with your relationship.
Your energy level will decrease and you won’t have the strength to fight for someone or something that has no future.
A disrespectful partner will make you feel that way. He’ll disapprove of your opinions and decisions, and he’ll even look down on you.
It’s one of the worst feelings that you can have in a relationship, even though you have someone beside you.
The only thing that you’ll feel is loneliness and sorrow. Your effort to make it work will all be in vain since your partner won’t respect you at all.
He won’t make any effort to make you happy. He’ll only prioritize himself and no one else.
But love doesn’t work that way. If you want to succeed, you have to value and respect each other’s opinions and needs.
And if you see that your partner doesn’t respect you, then walking away from your relationship is your one and only option.
4. When it’s almost sure that there’s no future for the two of you
Sometimes you can just feel that your relationship has hit a dead end and you can’t do a thing about it.
It’s almost certain there’s no future for the two of you.
I use the word almost because you can’t ever be one hundred percent sure what the future holds for you.
Many of us hold onto a tiny glimmer of hope, trying to find a way to get out of a tricky situation – especially when it comes to love.
You hold onto those broken promises and false truths thinking that one day everything will be better, but you know it won’t.
Still, you hold onto it for dear life and refuse to accept the inevitable.
That sliver of hope is what will cost you your heart, you know. You hope and pray that he changes, even though deep down you know he won’t.
After all, he promised you that he would, so why shouldn’t you believe him, right?
Well, you shouldn’t believe him if he broke his promises countless times and those words are just another one of his excuses so you won’t leave him.
So, when you’re almost certain that your relationship has no future, then it’s time to walk away and search for your happiness elsewhere.
5. When you find yourself crying more often than smiling
You might think of this as something obvious, but most women tend to ignore this sign.
When we’re deeply in love with someone – one can say, almost obsessed – we do everything we can to make it work.
We don’t step back and evaluate our situation because we can’t see past our partner’s perfect imperfections.
Granted, no relationship is perfect all the time, but there should be more good times than bad ones.
And if you can relate to the things that I’ve said, then walking away from your relationship isn’t just your only option, it’s your best option.
You shouldn’t cry all the time in your relationship. You should smile more and be happy because love is such a beautiful thing.
Tears, anxiety, and stress don’t belong in a healthy, loving relationship. They should be left with your exes.
The majority of our relationships don’t last, but in each and every one of them, there’s a lesson – not just about love but about ourselves as well.
6. When there is any abuse in your relationship
Abuse is something that shouldn’t be tolerated in any shape or form.
If you recognize any of the signs of abuse, then you should immediately pack up your things and leave.
You can’t build a successful romantic relationship when abuse is present in it.
Don’t get caught up thinking that physical abuse is the only type of abuse you shouldn’t tolerate at all.
Emotional and verbal abuse are also not okay in a relationship.
The first thing you should do if you’re experiencing any form of abusive behavior is to get somewhere where you feel safe and secure.
Try to seek counseling if you can or contact a relative you can trust.
Even though it sounds easy to do, oftentimes the one who is being abused struggles with low self-esteem and can’t seem to get a hold of what’s actually happening in the relationship.
You don’t deserve a partner who’s manipulative or abusive. They’re not worth your time or love because they’re not empathetic as you are.
7. When your partner is emotionally immature
It’s a well-known fact that men have a hard time dealing with their own emotions.
Sometimes they don’t know what they’re feeling or how to react to them.
An emotionally immature man lacks the ability to understand and to acknowledge his own feelings and emotions, and as a result, finds it hard to empathize with people.
If you’re wondering whether or not you’re partner is being emotionally immature, ask yourself this: Does he have commitment issues?
Does he disagree with everything I say? Does he get defensive when I suggest that he needs to change?
If your answer is yes, then you’re dealing with an emotionally immature man and you should consider walking away from your relationship.
He won’t contribute to making your dreams come true, he won’t love you the way you should be loved, and he won’t be able to console you when you have a bad day. He’ll only bring uncertainty to your life.
He won’t even accept the fact that he made a mistake because he can’t see past his own needs and emotions.
You’ll always feel alone even though you’ll have him physically beside you.
He won’t support you in your goals or help you to grow as a person.
If you find these qualities in your partner, then you should rethink staying in a relationship with him.
8. When you’re not able to grow
A relationship should be all about helping each other become the best version of yourselves, right?
When you’re stuck in a cycle of existing rather than improving, it can damage your mental health and lower your self-esteem.
Growth is what drives us to move forward, no matter what obstacle we face.
When you feel like your partner holds you in his palm of his hand and never helps you reach your full potential, that’s when you know you should consider walking away from your relationship.
True love means that you push your partner and have each other’s back at all times.
When you have that, you’ll start growing as a person, your will becomes stronger and you’ll feel more alive.
On the other hand, when you’re partner is emotionally immature and doesn’t want to change for the better, how can you expect him to have your back when you need him?
It’s never easy to walk away from someone you love, especially if you invested a lot of time and effort into the relationship.
But it’s never good to stay with a partner who’ll never help you achieve your dreams and goals either.
9. When you’re the only one making sacrifices and compromises
When you start a relationship with a guy, it’s customary to bring along your own set of baggage and flaws.
It’s the burden that we carry from all our relationships, even though we give ourselves enough time to let go of the past. Mostly, we fail to do that.
So, at the start of a new relationship when everything peachy, you love each other very much.
But as time passes, as the honeymoon phase fades, you get to see certain flaws in your partner.
That’s when you have two choices: You either accept your partner’s flaws or you make a run for it.
If you choose the former, then you have to make certain compromises and adjustments to get everything to work.
But what if you’re the only one who’s making all the sacrifices and compromises. Do you really believe such a relationship can survive? Of course, it can’t.
Those compromises and adjustments should always be from both sides.
Your love shouldn’t feel like a one-way street. Your partner must also contribute the same way you do.
And if he doesn’t, then it’s time to consider walking away from the relationship.
10. When the communication between you two is poor
Respect and good communication are vital to any healthy relationship.
You need to have the opportunity to speak about anything and anyone with your partner.
You shouldn’t withhold anything from him and vice-versa.
So if you’re unable to communicate with each other, the truth is, your relationship will be short-lived.
Good communication should be on top of your priority list.
When you’re unable to have meaningful conversations with your partner or are unable to develop deep intimacy, arguments and fights become a common thing.
But it won’t stop there. Those problems will only accumulate over time and you won’t be able to resolve them.
Eventually, all that anger and dissatisfaction will bottle up in you and you’ll become unhappy and bitter.
That’s why you should look at poor communication as an alarming sign that you might need to walk away from your relationship.
11. When he starts taking you for granted
One of the signs that you should leave your partner is when he takes you for granted.
And the simple reason for that is because he no longer cares for you.
You’ve got to remember that you’re worthy of finding true love.
You should never have to settle for someone who doesn’t see your worth or value you for who you are.
You can always try to talk with him first, but if he stays the same and doesn’t change at all, and continues neglecting you, then you should consider walking away from your relationship.
12. When your partner cheated on you
If you have concrete proof that your partner is cheating on you, and especially if he has cheated yet denied it or doesn’t seem to regret what he’s done, then you better pack up and walk away from your relationship.
The very fact that he doesn’t show remorse is a clear sign that he’ll do it again because he knows he has you as his backup plan.
Walking away from a relationship is easier said than done. So, how do you do it?
Pick the right moment
Everyone is different. You never know how your partner is going to react.
While some might get angry and smash things, others might cry and beg for a second chance.
You know what kind of a person your partner is.
According to his temperament and reaction, decide whether it’s for the better to have a face-to-face conversation or just pack your bags and leave him.
Stay strong and embrace the pain
No matter what he did to you, if you loved him, then you’ll feel the pain afterward.
You’ll feel hurt and sad, but that’s completely normal. You’re only human.
Those are perfectly acceptable emotions to feel after a breakup.
Embrace all the emotions of a breakup, even if you’re the one who did the breaking up, and keep your end goal in sight.
Never lose focus on what you want and don’t settle for anything less. This is about you and you alone.
Eventually, when you give yourself time to heal (and time heals wounds, believe me, I’ve been there), it will all work out great for you and you’ll find the right one.
You’ve just got to be patient.
Don’t look back
The problem is that many women regret their decision of breaking up with their toxic partners and go back to them, even though they know it’s the wrong thing to do.
You gave it your all and it didn’t work out. So, why bother giving it another shot if you know that the two of you have no future together?
Do you really want to feel the same way you did the first time? Or do you want to find true happiness and the love of your life?
Remember that you have to not look back in order to move forward.
If you decided that walking away from your relationship is your best and only option, then stick with your decision and move on with your life.
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