Relationships: When is it time to let go?

Last updated on July 5th, 2024 at 01:02 pm

Relationships have been on my mind lately. This is nothing new but after a recent chat with my friend it really got me to thinking. No matter what type of relationship your dealing with be it romantic, business or personal such as friendship. There are times that you realize your needs may not be met. Or you wonder if there is something better out there.

As many of you may (or may not) know I’m single but I have many people who feel comfortable sharing their relationship issues with me. I think we all need an impartial party to vent or chat with when you’re having a difficult time. I don’t mind this I try to give my opinion when asked. Most times I just hear the person out. I think we all have moments (me included ) where you wondered what it would be like to be in a relationship with someone else. Or even fantasize about the idea of finding someone who will be your match. That’s great but there is a difference between dreaming and doing.

Following my chat with the friend I mentioned I realized they were unhappy again. She didn’t come out and say it but I picked up on her cues. While I laid in bed that night I thought why would someone stay in a relationship if they aren’t happy? So while I tried to sleep I brought up reasons someone may stay.

I came up with the following:

• Years invested
• children
• shared property
• fear of the unknown

I thought those were the major ones. We can all agree if you’ve spent more than a year with someone that’s usually a serious relationship. When you add in the other factors it makes it harder for someone to let go. But when you hit a point where you’re fantasizing about possibly meeting someone new that’s a sign to me. A sign that you need to sit down and evaluate your current relationship.

We are all drawn to the new and unfamiliar. Especially if you feel that your needs may not be met or if your being taken advantage of. You crave something different from the day to day aspects. Reevaluating your relationship may help you find what’s missing. At times its not always one person’s fault it may be a combination of factors.

That being said some people may not know how to let a relationship go. As I mentioned above the factors shared might be reasons why they stay. I know fear may be a big fator as well. If you’ve been with someone for a long time you may not know where to start. We all don’t like being taken out of our comfort zones. We may also feel that we may not be making the right decision as well.

I have a feeling that my friend will stay where she is. I can’t judge either way because I’m just me. I don’t know what type of relationship I might end up in. Besides everyone is different and the factors they choose to end a relationship may be different then mine.

So after this long ramble when is it time to let a relationship go? I don’t know it may vary from person to person. It may also vary from situation to situation as well. As I said at the start it doesn’t matter what type of relationship we’re talking about there are times that they need to end. When is up to you.

Feel free to share your thoughts on the topic.