We all know people who stay together despite being miserable, refusing to recognize or accept that a relationship has run its course. Those who stay despite unhealthy conditions and treatment do so for many reasons, including belief systems that are anti-divorce, fear of being alone, a society that frowns on quitting, feeling unworthy of or unable to do better, the romantic notion that time alone will improve things, etc.
Add to these reasons the fact that our society places a higher value on the length of a relationship than it does on the condition of it, or the quality of treatment of those within it. As a result, people stay together even though it’s evident there’s no life left in their relationship. One or the other partner might be hoping for their relationship to change, or both may know that it won’t, but are resigned to it despite dissatisfaction.
Many couples repeat break-up-to-make-up cycles for years, mistaking the unwillingness to let go for proof of love. They struggle with cutting loose and moving on—even when there is obvious evidence that the relationship is unhealthy, such as violence, emotional abuse or serial infidelity. This is why it’s so important to have a standard of self-love that governs your decision-making, establishes boundaries for your security (mental, physical and emotional) and makes honor, esteem and respect non-negotiable requirements.
Read the full article on how to end relationships by Zara Green and Alfred Edmond, Jr.: To Find Healthy Relationships, End Unhealthy Ones, then come back and tell us what you think.