When you’re in a dead-end relationship, it’s normal to wonder when it’s time to throw in the towel. Even though you love the person you’re with, there could be signs that point to the door. If you’re feeling stuck, here’s how to know that you’ve wasted enough time on your partner.
- You’re treating milestones as quick fixes. If you have problems in your relationship and you’re trying to sort them out by doing big things like moving in together, that’s a huge red flag that you’re giving too much of yourself and trying too hard. Those milestones should never be treated as quick fixes to make your relationship better. They can force you both into a situation that you’re not ready for.
- You feel lonely. You know that there’s a difference between being lonely and being alone, but what if you feel lonely when you’re with your partner? That sucks and no one should feel that. You might as well be on your own then because what’s a relationship really worth if you feel like you’re not with someone who really cares and wants to spend time with you?
- You’ve started complaining a lot. You never used to be such a Negative Nancy, but lately it feels like you can’t help but have loads of complaints about your partner when you see him. Perhaps he’s never available via text and it’s pissing you off or he doesn’t seem to make an effort to ask you out on dates. Whatever the case, if you always have to tell him why he’s upsetting you, you’re not getting your needs met in the relationship. It’s also turning you into someone you’re not.
- You’re restless all the time. You can’t help but feel that there should be more than the day-to-day routine you experience with your partner. That restlessness can become anxiety and even depression, so keep an eye out for it.
- You’ve taken a silent oath. If you don’t speak up when things upset you, perhaps because you think you should keep the peace, then you’re pushing aside your thoughts and feelings. Why? Is your partner’s behavior causing you to feel that you don’t matter or their thoughts and feelings are more important than yours? That’s dodgy.
- You don’t feel excited about the future. While there’s your personal future to be excited about, you should also feel amped about facing a future with your partner. If the idea of being with them and chasing mutual goals together doesn’t make you feel inspired, then there’s a problem.
- You’ve really tried. Maybe you and your partner have confronted your relationship issues but nothing seems to help you get back on track. If you have really tried to make things work, understand that there’s only so much you can do, especially if the next point applies to you.
- You’re the only one putting in any effort. It sucks if you’re the only one in the relationship who’s trying to make things work and your partner only seems to be along for the ride. This can really cause your relationship to remain stuck, and it’s a sign that it’s got no future. It takes two people to make the relationship work, after all.
- You’re annoyed by their “cute” quirks. In the earlier stages of your relationship, all your partner’s quirks used to make you chuckle, but now they’re always on your nerves. You can’t handle the way they chew or how they over-use emojis in texts. Although those things might seem like little things, if you’re always irritated with your partner the little annoyances can become big issues. Your reaction is really a sign that you’re unhappy in your relationship.
- You’re his target. Without respect, your relationship is worthless. If your partner is quick to throw you insults or little snide comments that he tries to cover up by calling them jokes, he’s losing respect for you. Why wait around to see what will happen? If you’re not being treated like a queen, it’s time to walk away.
- You’re not sure what you want. If you had a clear idea about your future but now your relationship is derailing it, that’s a good reason to leave it. A toxic relationship can make you feel confused and uncertain, whereas a healthy relationship will help you to see clearly. Don’t allow your partner to cloud your vision and make you doubt yourself. You’re worth more than any relationship, and your time would be better spent focusing on yourself.
