Lessons You Learn After Leaving a Bad Relationship
As much as we want to believe it, nobody’s life can be perfect. Everyone has struggles, whether they are talking about it or not. Nothing teaches you better lessons than leaving a bad relationship. Leaving this bad relationship could feel like you are being dragged through dirt, but the “dirt” teaches you the most valuable lessons. There is much growth to be done after a bad relationship, so it is crucial to actually learn from these lessons.
1. Everything happens for a reason
I’ll say it over and over again: everything happens for a reason. It might be a few weeks or even months until you understand and realize this. When you do, it changes the whole perspective of what happened. You end up being grateful for the situation, grateful for going through such a hard time, and grateful that you could push past the storms and bloom into a stronger and better person than you were before. As hard as it is, you have to accept what the reason is and grow.
2. Always put yourself first
In bad situations, we tend to forget about ourselves. We don’t want to disappoint anyone, so we push ourselves back, and push everyone to the front. We let ourselves go, and we stop taking care of ourselves just so we can make sure that others are okay. You learn that forgetting to care for yourself is one of the worst things you can do. Know that you have to come first. You have to put your feelings and future first.
3. Respect yourself
Don’t ever do anything you are uncomfortable with. Make sure you respect yourself enough to never let anyone walk all over you. Stick up for what you believe in and stick up for yourself.
4. Abuse isn’t always detectable from the outside
Abuse is usually behind closed doors. At least that’s what many people say–abuse could be at home, in the car, in the corner of a store, or in your parent’s house. No matter what situation or type of abuse, the couple always–and I mean always–looks happy and healthy to an outsider. Everyone wants a relationship like theirs. But behind doors, it’s a mess. Sometimes we don’t even realize the abuse is going on and is so well hidden that you find it normal. You may now be more aware of what’s going on around you and able to assist those trapped in abusive relationships.
5. Trust Your Gut Feelings
Your gut is there for a reason. Follow it! Maybe at least question the thoughts, but never push them aside because sometimes they may be right!
6. Forgive Them
Just forgive them. You don’t have to talk to them and tell them you forgive them. Just mentally know that it’s over. Whatever they put you through is over; don’t give them the power to do it again. Personally, I forgave my ex. I never told him that, but mentally it made me feel better. I just remembered to be grateful, because if he never came into my life, I would not have had the opportunity to grow. I would not be the strong, independent women I am now. So, just forgive and grow.
Don’t count this relationship as irrelevant. This relationship made you who you are. If it weren’t for this unhealthy relationship, then you might still be the girl that everyone walks all over. The lessons you learn from a bad relationship can stick with you forever. They are the types of lessons we wish we could instill into our friends and family. No matter what, never allow a bad relationship determine your self worth.