How to Walk Away from a Toxic Relationship

Who doesn’t love a happy ending? Sure, in the romance world, the characters go through hell for one another because of the subconscious assurance that everything will turn out great in the end.

However, in the real world, people are not as perfect or idealistic as they are on the silver screen or in the pages of a romance novel.

In the real world, people have attitude problems and bad habits that prevent a relationship from becoming perfect.

Even though some relationships can be difficult and hectic due to fights and disagreements, there is always a chance to rebuild them with time and effort.

However, this rarely holds true for a toxic relationship.

A toxic relationship is a relationship that involves behaviors on the part of the toxic partner that are emotionally and physically damaging or harmful to their partner.

A toxic relationship involves insecurity, self-centeredness, selfishness, irresponsibility of actions, forceful authority and power, dominance, control.

You can definitely try to make a toxic relationship work, but more often than not, you would find the life drained out of you.

On, the contrary if you are planning for walking away from a toxic relationship, you might have some questions, such as how to know when to walk away from a relationship and how to get out of a toxic relationship.

This article shares some key tips on how to get away from a toxic relationship.

Knowing when to let go

The most important thing is to know when it is time to get out of a toxic relationship. The signs are sometimes obvious – lying, constant criticism, emotional starvation, cheating, and emotional and physical abuse.

Sometimes they are not so obvious – something just doesn’t feel right. It may take the form of a gentle but constant heartache, feeling lonely, or lack of connection, intimacy, or security between the partners.    

Walking away from a relationship can be hard because being alone can be a scary proposition for many.

Even the most cloistered introvert covets affection, contact, and interaction. But when a relationship turns toxic, the best thing to do is get out.

It is very difficult to let go of someone you love and care about. But when a relationship starts to hurt you mentally, physically, and emotionally, it is time to get out. No person is worth sacrificing your self-esteem.

You do not need someone who doesn’t respect you or treats you like property. You need to find the strength to get out and move on.

Know that you deserve better

Sometimes loving someone is just not enough if you are not getting the same love in return. It’s like working on an old, broken-down car. No matter how much work you put into, it is not going to be the same ever again.  

The time that you invest in a relationship that is not making you happy prevents you from having a relationship with the right person who truly loves and respects you.

Accept that you cannot change your partner

Staying in an abusive relationship, thinking that you can change your partner, is the biggest mistake you can make.

You have to accept that the only person that you control is yourself. Unless your partner owns up to his mistakes and shows a desire to get help, there is nothing that you can do to change them.

Your partner may promise to change and may even be genuine about it, but more than likely they are going to remain the same.

Change cannot be forced. It has to come from within, and only then it could work.

Know that it will hurt

There is no easy way of getting over a relationship. It is going to hurt for a long time. You are going to miss the intimate and close moments that you both shared and the feeling of being wanted and desired.   

The most difficult part is getting over the initial discomfort of being alone.

But once you are over that stage, life becomes easier. If you work through the pain instead of avoiding it, the chances are that you will move on to a better and fuller relationship.

Don’t hesitate to cry

It is best not to hold the pain inside and let it go. You have just suffered a loss; therefore, you do not need to pretend that everything is okay.

Don’t stop the tears from falling as they will cleanse you and help with the healing process.

Also watch: 3 steps to heal from toxic relationships

Take some Time off

Time is the best healer. Rest your mind, heart, and soul to give it a chance to heal. This is the best time to get to know yourself. Take up an activity or a hobby that you enjoy.  

Although it may not completely distract you, it will allow you to do something that you enjoy.

It will also make you realize that even though your relationship did not go as planned, you can still enjoy life!

Take help from friends and loved ones

Ending a relationship does not mean that your life is over. You need to take back control of your life.

There are people such as friends, family members, professionals, and even a clergy member who can help you comprehend how to walk away from a bad relationship.

They can help you overcome your situation and get back on your feet.

You deserve better, and believing in yourself brings you one step closer to a happier future. Don’t be afraid to get away from an abusive relationship and start the healing process.

You let go of an abusive and toxic relationship not because you no longer love your partner or you are weak but because you are strong enough to realize that sometimes two people are happier if they go their separate ways rather than stay together.