We can’t always help who we fall in love with, but we can choose to walk away if that person isn’t treating us with kindness, dignity and respect. We’re not saying that relationships aren’t hard work, like many of the things that are worth having in life they don’t come easy. However, if you’re spending more time crying than laughing, are afraid or nervous around your partner or just don’t feel the same way you used to then it’s probably time to go.
You’re Being Abused
Abuse comes in many forms be it physical, emotional or even, in some cases, financial but either way, it’s unacceptable and nobody should be treating you like that. Domestic violence is a huge issue, and plenty of men and women have complex anger issues that need to be dealt with through therapy. The chances are that if your partner has hit you once, then they are more than likely to do it again. Being hit can not only leave you psychologically traumatized but also make your skin more sensitive as well as causing ecchymosis. This occurs when blood pools beneath the skin, and causes of ecchymosis are often related to bruising. Emotional abuse such as belittling comments, gaslighting or manipulating someone is wrong, and you shouldn’t put up with it. There are lots of organisations whose goal is to help people in abusive, unhealthy relationships who may be afraid to leave their partner.
They’re An Addict
Unfortunately, while many of us believe that with enough love, care and attention we can change someone the chances of it happening are quite small. Addiction be it sex, gambling, alcohol, food or drugs is highly difficult to treat and should only be attempted by a professional. Addicts, due to the nature of the disease, are very manipulative and will use every trick in the book to get what they’re after. Many people who summon up the courage to leave addicts find that, somewhere along the line, they went from being their partner to their personal sponsor, therapist, drug dealer or enabler. People in the throes of addiction are rarely themselves, and if addiction has begun affecting, or has already changed your relationship then for your own well-being, you should leave.
You’re Being Lied To
Trust is probably the most important thing in any relationship as it lays the foundation for an open, healthy and honest connection. Lying, no matter how small, is a horrible thing to do to someone and can often cause far more problems than telling the truth. Don’t lie to yourself, or worse to someone else to avoid having an argument and always be true to your own feelings. If you can’t live your life the way you want to, for fear of upsetting the person you love then it may be time to reconsider the relationship. Otherwise, you’ll slowly start to resent having to bend the truth to keep the peace. If you suspect your partner of lying, then find a quiet time to sit down and have a no-holds-barred honest conversation but prepare yourself because you may not like what they have to say.