Knowing when it's time to break up with someone isn't easy, and it's even more difficult if you've been in a relationship for more than two or three years. While it can come as a shock to you if you end a long-term relationship, the reality is that there are some problems that can't be fixed. If you're confused about whether or not to end the relationship, look for some signs that indicate that it's time for you to make this decision.
Step
Method 1 of 12: You can't communicate with each other
Step 1. Communication is one of the most important parts of a relationship
If conversations always end in fights, if your partner stops telling you what he or she is doing or thinking, or if he doesn't support you through tough times, it may be time to end the relationship. If you've tried communicating before and it's still not working, this could be a sign that the two of you are no longer compatible.
- Couples who love each other should be able to resolve disputes with mutual respect without naming names or swearing.
- A good couple should also always support each other both in difficult and happy times.
Method 2 of 12: The two of you no longer respect each other
Step 1. Respect is the foundation of a healthy relationship
If the two of you no longer respect each other, you may not be able to talk openly, don't respect your partner's wants and needs, and don't support your partner's hobbies or careers. If respect has been lost, your relationship will be difficult to maintain.
If you've tried to respect your partner, but he doesn't respect you, this is a sign that you have an abusive and unhealthy relationship. If you are experiencing these problems, it may be time to end the relationship
Method 3 of 12: You can't compromise on anything
Step 1. Long-term relationships require compromise in many ways
If you or your partner are stubborn and want to work things out your way, you may not be able to compromise. Little things can turn into fights, and you may feel very upset over minor issues.
Similarly, if you have tried to compromise, but your partner is always pushing it, this indicates that your relationship is out of balance and unhealthy
Method 4 of 12: Your wish is not fulfilled
Step 1. Does your partner make the same effort as you?
If you feel like your relationship is out of balance, it might be time to end it. If you've been in this condition for a relatively long time, have told your partner several times, and things keep changing, the best option is to end the relationship.
He may think that your attempts to express needs are an attack on him, and this could make things worse. If you've discussed his reaction to your needs and nothing has changed, this could be a sign to end the relationship
Method 5 of 12: Both of you no longer love each other
Step 1. A striking sign is if you fall in love with someone else
Love is felt in a slightly different way for everyone, but you can usually tell when you don't love him anymore. If you dream of someone else or even fall in love with someone else, this could be a sign that your relationship should end.
You may compare your partner to other people or your partner is no longer a priority in your life
Method 6 of 12: Your partner is hiding something from the start
Step 1. Is your partner not showing your true self?
If you've been living together for a long time and suddenly your partner reveals a big secret, this is a red flag. Things like heavy debt, having children from a previous spouse, suffering from an illness, or having been married may be a breach of contract. Your partner may have kept the secret until he realized that it was too late and the relationship broke up.
Remember that it's okay if someone breaks the agreement, even if your relationship has been going on for a long time. If your partner reveals something that makes you uncomfortable, you can end the relationship no matter how long you've been together
Method 7 of 12: You both have different interests
Step 1. The two of you should at least have some things in common
While it's okay (and healthy) to do things on your own, you should both be able to spend time and have fun together. If you can no longer enjoy the things you do together, your relationship may be starting to fall apart.
People tend to change in long-term relationships, and that's okay. However, if your partner changes drastically, there's nothing wrong with ending the relationship
Method 8 of 12: Sex life gets boring
Step 1. A slightly boring sex life is normal in a long term relationship
However, if you've tried variations and it still doesn't work, this may be a sign of a mismatch. Similarly, if you or your partner have different sexual needs that the other cannot meet, that may be a red flag.
- If your sex life is getting stale and you both haven't tried variations, it's a good idea to talk to your partner about things you can both do differently.
- Doing variations in the bedroom can be done by trying new sex toys, trying new positions, or simply dressing up occasionally.
Method 9 of 12: You feel like a parent, not a partner
Step 1. If you feel you have to keep an eye on your partner, this could be a red flag
If you feel you must always care for your partner like a parent to their child (parenting), it may be time to discuss this issue. If you have expressed your feelings and nothing has changed, it may be time for you to end the relationship.
Parenting a partner can be in the form of cleaning the dirt left behind, scheduling activities, reminding him of important events he must attend, and taking care of responsibilities in his life in general. While it's okay to do this every now and then, you shouldn't do it all the time
Method 10 of 12: You don't miss your partner when you're apart
Step 1. You even feel relieved after he's gone
While it's normal to want to be alone, being cheerful when your partner is away is a sign that there's a problem. If the first thing that comes to mind when your partner leaves is "thank goodness," it may be time for you to end the relationship.
You don't have to miss your partner all the time, but you should feel a little sad when he or she is away on the weekends or out of town for a while
Method 11 of 12: You don't want to co-parent with your partner
Step 1. If you want to have children, this is an important decision
Think about what your life would be like if you had children with your partner. If you think that this can be a burden on both of you or are worried that you are stuck with responsibilities that you have to carry out, this could be a sign that you should end the relationship.
If you already have children with your partner, consider how to co-parent now
Method 12 of 12: You have tried to repair the relationship before
Step 1. Change will only happen if you both work on it
If you've worked so hard to maintain your relationship so far, you're probably running out of options. If the two of you have spoken and promised to change things for the better, but the situation remains unchanged, this is a sign that you should end the relationship.
