How To Know When It’s Time to End a Relationship

Recognizing that your relationship is heading toward a breakup can be hard to come to terms with. Whether the relationship only lasted a few months or several years, it definitely hurts. The key is figuring out how to know when it’s time to end a relationship so you can be sure about your decision and take a thoughtful approach. 

As you begin to question your relationship, there are some surefire signs that it’s time to break up. These signs are like a guide that lets you know when to know it’s time to end a relationship. Let’s get into the specifics about what to look out for when you’re no longer happy in your relationship and how to know if you should end it or not.

Look for These Signs That It’s Time to Break Up

Do you find yourself questioning your relationship? Take the time to figure out whether it’s something you can work through or not. Wondering if you should walk away can be a painful and complicated process.

To help you decide, here are the most common signs that it’s time to break up:

You Fight All the Time

If what was once a harmonious relationship has turned into arguments over everything, this is one of the most obvious signs it’s time to end your relationship. It’s one thing to occasionally have arguments that create helpful solutions and growth. But if you’re constantly arguing over the smallest things, there are likely deeply rooted issues that are creating all this tension. Know that if these fights result in any emotional or physical abuse (HUGE red flags here!), tyou definitely need to end the relationship immediately.

No Desire for Physical Intimacy

When you first got together with your partner, you probably couldn’t keep your hands off each other! If now, you don’t even think twice about your sex life, often going long stretches of time without it, it can be an indicator of when to know it’s time to end a relationship. Some couples don’t place physical intimacy at the top of their priorities, and that’s ok! However, if it used to be a way that you two connected in the relationship, and now it’s completely gone or much less frequent, it could mean you aren’t as attracted to one another as you once were.

Shared Life Goals Have Changed

Maybe when you first started dating, your partner was open to the idea of kids and marriage, but now they suddenly aren’t sure—add this to the list of signs it’s time to end your relationship. People are allowed to change their minds and priorities in life, but if it’s something that you truly want in your life, don’t allow someone to deprive you of that just because they don’t want it. In this case, you may start to drift apart because you want different things and have totally different ambitions in life. 

You Don’t Want to Spend Time with Them 

If you find yourself choosing to spend more time with family and friends over your partner, it could be another one of the signs that it’s time to break up. Of course, it’s important to make time for your loved ones outside of your relationship, but if you’re constantly choosing them over your partner, you’re probably not as into them as you used to be. Your romantic partner is someone you should enjoy doing fun things with too! If you’re avoiding them and prioritizing other relationships in your life, it’s probably time to reevaluate if you really want this relationship anymore. 

Trust is No Longer There 

This is a significant factor in how to know when it’s time to end a relationship. You need to trust each other if you want this relationship to work. Maybe they cheated on you or you’re wondering if they are, so you constantly worry they might be checking out other people or looking elsewhere behind your back. This isn’t a healthy relationship if you’re always questioning the loyalty. It can be tough to rebuild a relationship where trust has been shattered through lying or infidelity. If this is the case, it’s probably time to call it quits.

If You Want to End Your Relationship, Always Trust Your Gut 

Now that you know what to look out for so you can determine how to know when it’s time to end a relationship, the next step is to go with what your intuition tells you. If you feel it’s the right thing to do, it most likely is. You know yourself more than anyone, and if this relationship no longer makes you happy and gives you an uneasy feeling, it’s time to end it for good. 

Ending a relationship and the heartbreak that comes with it are NEVER easy, no matter the circumstance. Sometimes it’s just as painful even when you’re the one to end a relationship, and it’s crucial to come to terms with that. Accept your feelings for what they are, but know in your heart that you made the best decision for both of you.

If you’re going through a breakup or need help in your current relationship, our Heart Appeal relationship coaches are here to support you through your ups and downs. Our community of like-minded singles have been through similar experiences as you, so you don’t have to deal with this alone!

Become a member today to heal through heartache and discover more meaningful relationships in your future love life. We’re excited for you to join us!