Thinking about letting go of a toxic relationship?
We’ve all been there, questioning whether or not we should let go of that person that we’ve been close to for so long. Tolerating treatment and behavior that only brings us and our self-esteem down. Whether it be a friend, boyfriend/girlfriend or anything in between, the breakup can be hard. Many times we stick through the pain and hardships of the relationship because we’re afraid or unsure what life would be like without that person. But, there’s things that you should always remember when you’re in this situation:
Toxic is Toxic
Often times a person that is toxic is rather good at disguising themselves as someone who is not. By that, I mean that their behavior and words can be very manipulative. The person can be very nice to you at first in order to develop a solid relationship with you before they begin to show signs of toxicity. But, if someone makes you feel bad 75% of the time and good only 25% of the time, it’s basic math… it’s not worth it. There is no such thing as someone who is partially toxic. Toxic is toxic, it’s just that sometimes we can be blinded by the qualities that we do like and disregard or ignore the ones that we don’t.
The length of a relationship does not determine the quality of it
It can be scary to think,”This person has been in my life forever! I can’t just cut them out?” But, if while this person has been in your life they have hurt you and caused you to sacrifice pieces of yourself, than it’s better to recognize the damage they have done before it gets too severe. Someone that was good for you 3 years ago may not be good for you now. You as a person, will grow and change, sometimes people grow apart rather than together.
Not everyone is meant to be in your life forever
My mom always told me that people come into your life for a reason, a season, or a lifetime. Everyone that we meet and grow to know has some type of purpose in our lives. Even if they will not always be there, we can learn from the experiences and lessons that they brought with them. It’s better to think optimistically that those that are toxic to us can be seen as an integral part of our development as a person. When we let go of the conditions that are holding us back, we make room for more positive things to come our way.
There was a time when they weren’t in your life (Spoiler: There will be an after)
It’s no secret, any kind of breakup or cutting off can be painful. It may take some time before you are back to your normal self, BUT, the point is that you will get there, and you will be a better person for it. So many times we feel like our lives are over or that our world will end when things do you go to plan. It may be cliché, but things will get better. You should never compromise your happiness for someone else’s. Self-care is not selfish, it’s essential!