When To Walk Away From A Relationship?

Don't tolerate abuse, cheating, and a lack of respect in your relationship.

Reviewed by Joy Nwokoro, Relationship Coach
Written by Sneha Tete, Certified Relationship Coach

Fact-checked by Gracia Odile • Nov 24, 2023

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Walking away from love is tough. But when there are enough signs to walk away from a relationship, you probably should! Of course, it will cause heartache for you both. It takes guts to give up on a relationship you were committed to. But, are you the only one putting in the effort, trust, understanding, and respect? That is not the way to keep your relationship alive. Reciprocation is a must. If not, it is time to fix the relationship or call it quits. Check out the 15 signs to determine if you should walk away from a relationship. Scroll down!

In This Article

Is It Okay To Walk Away From A Relationship?

“You can love them, forgive them, want good things for them…but still move on without them.” – Mandy Hale

Yes, it is okay to move on from a relationship for happiness and mental peace. Arguments and sweet fights in any relationship are common. It helps convey your opinions, views, and concerns to your partner. It is quite normal to have ups and downs in any relationship. However, this remains healthy only if there’s respect, devotion, commitment, and understanding between you both. It is tough to make a relationship work if there is a lack of understanding and incompatible values. Even after putting in all your efforts and valuable time, it feels disheartening if your partner fails to understand you.

If you are in a dilemma about whether to walk away or continue with your relationship, these 15 signs can help you.

When To Walk Away From A Relationship?

1. If You Feel Respect Is Not Served Anymore

Respect is the foundation of any relationship. Respecting each other’s opinions, decisions, and goals makes a relationship healthy. Understanding the concerns of both parties without any manipulation and respecting them forges stronger connections. If you are not getting respect from your partner, reconsider your future together. Crossing the limits you are not comfortable with and not valuing your decisions is a red flag.

2. There Is Abuse In Your Relationship

You should walk away from an abusive relationship

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The scars you cannot see are the hardest to heal. Abuse in a relationship impacts mental peace, physical well-being, self-esteem, and confidence levels. Sometimes it also leads to depression. Physical abuse is not the only kind of abuse you should be worried about. It can be of any form, like sexual, verbal, and emotional abuse. Abusive relationships cannot and should not be saved. If you find your partner abusive, walk away from your relationship immediately.

3. They Have Cheated You

They have cheated you are signs to walk away from a relationship

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“I’m not upset that you lied to me, I’m upset that from now on I can’t believe you” – Unknown

There is no other feeling that is as painful as being cheated by your partner. Infidelity leads to distrust and insecurity. And, without mutual understanding and faith, relationships will not last long. If your partner is not ready to accept the mistakes, does not show any regret, and continues gaslighting you, it is time to walk away from the relationship.

4. Your Partner Does Not Take Any Responsibility

A committed and responsible individual is dependable. Taking responsibility generates trust and eventually builds a strong, honest bond. Partners should have a mutual understanding and owe equal responsibilities to each other. If you are the only one taking all the responsibilities every time, it is time to move on.

5. You Cannot See The Future With Your Partner

While gazing into your partner’s eyes, you ought to be able to see infinite love, dreams, and plans for your future. As couples, you both must have some shared goals. If you are unable to foresee any of them with your partner, rethink your relationship. One should put sincere effort into making the relationship work and help achieve each other’s dreams. If your partner does not show it, take a deep breath and move on for the better.

6. There Is No Trust

There is no trust are signs to walk away from a relationship

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“I trust you is a better compliment than I love you because you may not always trust the person you love, but you can always love the person you trust.” – Unknown

Trust is the basis for a successful, strong, and healthy relationship. It provides positive energy, reassurance, and the power to overcome obstacles. Without trust, you cannot feel safe and connected with your partner. The words and actions of your partner should reflect devotion, commitment, and loyalty. If that is not the case, walk away from your relationship.

Quick Tip

There is a fine line between trust and justification. Constantly justifying and explaining every action shows that there is no trust and is a sign that you should step away from this relationship.

7. The Channel To Communicate With Your Partner Is Closed

Proper communication is crucial for a strong and healthy relationship. Without meaningful conversations, there is scope for misunderstandings. Healthy communication brings transparency and helps tackle these issues. Your relationship might not survive if there is lack of communication. This gap is an alarming sign that you might need to walk away.

8. When You Don’t Find Space

You can leave the relationship if your partner refuses to give you space.

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Giving each other some space lets you pursue your hobbies, process thoughts, and work on your interests. If your partner does not respect your personal space, you should think about it. Respecting each other’s opinions, goals, and helping them achieve their dreams is a sign of a healthy relationship. If you are not finding any of these in your relationship, move out of it.

9. You Are The Only One Making Compromises And Sacrifices

Relationships can work only if both parties are willing to sacrifice for each other. Making small sacrifices, adjustments, and compromises are common in a relationship. Couples should know the skill of getting things done without showing any disrespect to each other and hurting others. But if you are the one who is making all sacrifices, rethink your relationship.

10. Your Partner Is Immature

Your partner is immature are signs to walk away from a relationship

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An emotionally immature person can never understand your feelings. The lack of ability to understand the emotions of their partner may often lead to arguments. Being in a relationship with an immature person makes life unpredictable. You might face commitment issues and silly disagreements. They might not consider things seriously and avoid meaningful conversation. If such is the case, rethink staying in a relationship.

11. When Your Opinion Does Not Matter

A partner who loves you and values you will ask your opinion on things that matter. If your partner takes you for granted every time, it is unfair, and you might feel left out in the relationship. When your opinion is not respected, it implies that your partner does not care about you. If your partner is unwilling to address these issues, walk away from the relationship.

12. When You Face Body Shaming

If your partner pays more attention to your looks and does not accept the way you are, it is abusive and toxic behavior and shows his emotional immaturity. Constant criticism about looks and appearance can seriously affect one’s self-esteem and confidence. If your partner does the same now and then without any regret, it might be the right time for you to walk away from the relationship.

13. When You Feel Totally Alone

“Being alone is scary, but not as scary as feeling alone in a relationship.” – Amelia Earhart

Relationships are built upon understanding and affection between partners. When you are in a toxic relationship, you feel lonely, left out, unheard, anxious, and disconnected. Talk with him about how you are feeling with his constant ignorance. If he continues to do the same, walk away from your relationship.

Marsha Imaniara, a blogger, shared that she had to hold herself back from expressing her love for her partner in the fear that it would not be reciprocated. She states in one of her blog posts, “The more I came across these situations, the more I realized that my reason for staying had shifted: from hope, to fear (i).” Since she was not happy, she decided to walk away from the relationship. She adds, “I told him I was leaving, and I was doing it out of hope that I will find the love that I need, want, and deserve out there.”

Quick Tip

If physical intimacy feels like work and there is no passion or interest anymore, then it may be time to bid goodbye

Infographic: 6 Signs That You Need To Walk Away From A Toxic Relationship

While being madly in love can be blinding, it is important to recognize certain red flags. A healthy relationship can help an individual grow in many ways, whereas a toxic relationship does the complete opposite and causes pain. We have rounded up the top 6 signs that you need to walk away from a toxic relationship in the infographic below!

6 signs that you need to walk away from a toxic relationship (infographic)

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As much as it is important to know when and how you connect with a person, it is also important to be aware of the signs of walking away from a relationship. Respect, care, and trust are important to keep a relationship going. If you feel alone, left out, disrespected, or abused in the relationship, it is time to reevaluate your relationship. You may discuss the issues with your partner and try to improve the bond. However, if nothing works out, it is better to part ways. Relationships are tough to maintain and involve a lot of ups and downs. However, if it turns toxic, it is better to move on.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does walking away from a relationship work?

Yes, walking away from a relationship that is toxic and makes you unhappy is the best way to find peace and happiness for yourself.

Why is walking away so powerful?

While walking away is not easy, it can bring a sense of relief, confidence, and power. Walking away from a toxic relationship takes a lot of courage, strength, and faith in yourself. Doing so is an act of love and respect for yourself.

How can you tell if you’re not happy in a relationship?

Some signs you can look for that may indicate you’re not happy in a relationship are –
• You feel at peace when you are away from your partner.
• You don’t plan date nights anymore.
• There’s a lack of physical intimacy.
• You feel lonely even in their presence.

Can friends and family help you recognize when it’s time to walk away from a relationship?

Yes, unlike someone blinded by love, friends and family can clearly see the red flags and will definitely advise you to leave the relationship if it seems too toxic.

What are some common fears or obstacles that prevent people from leaving a relationship?

The fear of abandonment, low self-esteem, codependency, and anxiety are some common obstacles that prevent people from leaving a toxic relationship.

What are some healthy coping strategies for dealing with the end of a relationship?

Here are top 3 healthy coping strategies you can try when dealing with the end of a relationship:
• Journal your feelings or share them with a loved one.
• Remind yourself of why you walked away in the first place.
• Pamper yourself and indulge in some me-time.

Key Takeaways

Arguments are quite common in any relationship, and they help you understand your partner better.
But if your partner fails to understand you even after you have put in a lot of effort and time, then it is time to rethink your relationship.
If your partner does not respect you or has started abusing you, these are some big signs that you should walk away from the relationship.

Learn when to gracefully exit a relationship that no longer serves your happiness and well-being in the following video. Embrace the freedom to create a brighter future.