Toxic relationships are sadly too common. However, having a relationship with someone who is not good for you is not always so easy to leave behind. While it may take some time, you can go away and build a happier, healthier life in the process. Here are 10 ways on how to get rid of a toxic relationship.
When is the time to let go of a relationship?
Sometimes it is clear when a relationship has ended. However, the case is not the same for everyone. There may be a lot of bad situations where you know you shouldn’t wait any longer, but decide you may be okay because you’ve gotten over it. Despite this, you are still unhappy and possibly depressed for the person you love. Here are some signs that it’s time to go:
1. They show signs of insecurity
Insecurity can be quite a damaging element in a relationship. It can cause many negative and draining effects for everyone involved. However, no one should have to endure another person’s lack of security within himself. Insecurities can and do cause various problems, slowly consuming the relationships and partners that endure toxicity. An insecure partner only generates negative feelings and many problems. An insecure partner can also lead to different forms of abuse, so it’s best to leave quickly if you find yourself dealing with an insecure partner.
2. They are possessive
Having a possessive partner can and will ruin a relationship. If someone feels the need to have you around all the time regardless of your life, freedom, or emotions, it’s time to let it go. Not only will this depress you, it can cause you to lose other important relationships outside of yourself and your partners, such as family and friends.
Often when someone wants you all to themselves, there is an underlining problem within themselves that is the cause. This will only provoke negative feelings within you and ultimately have dire effects on your life.
3. The relationship is one-sided
As the old saying goes, it takes two to tango. This couldn’t be more true when it comes to relationships. If you’ve found yourself with the weight of your relationship alone, it’s time to go. Most people are left with the hope that their partners will change, only to find that in the future they won’t. This only leads to a waste of time, emotions, and effort. You can save yourself the heartache by moving on sooner rather than later.
4. They have not clarified the future of their relationship
If you feel like you’re not sure where your relationship with your partner is going, it’s time to reconsider. When you are in a relationship with someone who truly loves and cares about you, you will never have to question the future. They will make their intentions perfectly clear if they want to spend their future with you. It should never be a guessing game and if you find yourself playing it, it might be time to move on.
5. You don’t feel the same with them
When relationships are new, the “honeymoon phase” takes over. Although this phase is said to be temporary, it is possible to continue a loving and peaceful relationship. Although it won’t always be perfect, it should never cause you discomfort with your partner.
When you begin to feel that you are never happy again because your partner makes you feel angry or nervous because of their actions, it may be time to reconsider your relationship. While no relationship is ever lasting, it shouldn’t cause you to feel miserable or unhappy either.
10 ways to let go and move on from a relationship that doesn’t work
1. Accept your new reality
Accepting your new reality without your relationship will be difficult at first, but it will benefit you in the long run. Sometimes it’s not easy to start over without the person you love, but rebuilding your life is the important thing. Once you can accept that moving on is the best decision you can make for yourself, your new journey becomes that much easier.
2. Remember what everything is for
It is imperative that you consider the purpose of your decision. Leaving a toxic relationship helps you find yourself again as you regain your strength as a person. Thinking about what you once was alone can make you and your self-improvement turn away from your partner. You must remember that this is to improve your life because you deserve a loving and fulfilling relationship. If someone can’t provide this for you, it shouldn’t be in your life.
3. Don’t blame yourself
Blaming yourself for your partner’s actions is not the answer. Instead, realize all that you did in your power to love and care for that person. Give yourself credit and understand that you can never change anyone. The only thing we can do is love someone, but if they are not willing to give that back, they are simply not worth your love or your time.
4. Cut all contacts
This may be the most difficult step in the process, but it is also the most necessary. It is impossible to move on if you are still in contact with someone from whom you are trying to part. You may think that you will speak just one last time to close. But this is never a good idea. This can make your toxic relationship last even longer as it gives your partner a chance to speak up so as not to leave you. The best way to handle it is to just crash out, cut the relationship entirely. Block them if necessary, do whatever it takes. After all, your emotional well-being depends on it and you deserve to be happy.
5. Communicate with a support system
When going through difficult situations, a support system is essential. It is difficult to do it alone, so it is important to remember that it is not necessary. Ending relationships can lead to feelings of overwhelming, sadness, and even anger. Internalizing these emotions will only cause more distress and therefore prolong your return to a healthier space. So whether it’s close friends, family, your therapist, or even a hotline, be sure to talk to someone about how you’re feeling. Doing so will greatly help you to overcome and overcome these emotions in a healthy way.
6. Give yourself time to heal
Toxic relationships can drain you mentally and emotionally. Therefore, it is imperative that you allow yourself time to properly recover from the situation. This can help you rebuild the strength you need to move on and start over. Some things you can do to help your healing are to take up new hobbies or spend time with family and friends. Just be sure to keep busy and focus on your well-being, as self-care during this time is the top priority.
7. Focus on your goals
Working on your goals is an amazing way to get over and through a bad relationship. Not only will this help you heal in a very positive way, it will also show your ex-partner that you can move on without them. Whether it’s a hobby you’d like to return to or a new idea you’d like to explore, don’t be afraid to spend time on your goals. Create an action plan and work toward it every day, as healing is best when you take it one day at a time.
8. Forget the reminders
This is not easy for most of us, letting go of items that were given to us by someone we love very much. While it may seem like a cruel move, it’s only for the best. Maybe these are gifts that were given to you on special dates or just for the sake of it. Either way, they are still very powerful reminders with emotional ties.
If it is something expensive, you can simply return it to your ex partner as it is a better option than throwing it away or giving it away. Remember to remain firm in your decision no matter what they tell you. You must keep moving forward and rid your life of toxicity.
9. Get closure
Most can define closure as talking to your ex, face-to-face about what happened or went wrong in the relationship. However, this is not always the case and it may not work for everyone. Looking within yourself can give you the answers you are looking for. When you can give yourself answers about your decision making and relationships, you can do whatever it takes to make a change and not continue with the same patterns and mistakes.
10. Consider the Big Picture
Throughout our lives, we are guaranteed to meet new people no matter what. So just because your relationship with someone didn’t work out as planned doesn’t mean it won’t with someone else. You have to remember that life goes on and the beauty of it is that you have the power to control which way it goes. Just stay strong and keep working to heal your wounds. In time you will regain happiness.
