Imagine being with your partner for years; things have changed, the intimacy is nearly lost, there’s no passion in your kisses, the good morning greetings feel empty, and everything seems hopeless. If you were in this situation, would you work things out or end it?
Being in a relationship is tough. Not everyone is cut out for it, or they simply have bad circumstances. Couples will eventually lose their love for each other, but can’t decide whether to stay in the relationship or move on with their lives.
Are you willing to stay in a relationship devoid of love? Is it worth being a martyr to a toxic relationship?
If you are having difficulties deciding the fate of your connection, here are 10 reasons to end a relationship for good.
Should We Take a Break?
Doubts are normal in a relationship; everyone has doubted their partners from time to time. But when the doubts become routine, and your trust is waning, that’s when you know something’s wrong. Your friends might warn you, “Please don’t date him,” but you’re not sure if leaving is the right thing to do.
Breakups are painful, and as partners in a relationship, we strive to avoid them. However, there are times when you just have to put your foot down and prioritize your well-being. So, if your relationship is not working out, but you’re still having second thoughts, this list should help you decide to end your toxic relationship.
Infidelity / Cheating
Cheating is one of the most devastating betrayals a loved one can do. Often referred to as a couple breaker, cheating is a prevalent issue in many relationships worldwide, particularly in long-distance ones.
There are three kinds of cheating: Physical, Mental, and Fantasy.
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Physical Cheating
This is the most common type of cheating. Physical cheating is when someone commits physical acts of infidelity. It can be as innocent as going on dates together or as serious as being in bed with each other.
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Fantasy Cheating
Fantasy cheating or mental cheating is when a person premeditates an act of cheating on their partner. Some people claim that it isn’t cheating since no actions were taken. However, the thought of actually committing infidelity is cheating itself; having the intent to cheat means you’re no longer faithful to your partner.
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Emotional Cheating
Emotional cheating happens when a person is suffering from a lack of emotional wellness in the relationship and seeks other people who can provide them with empathy, comfort, and love. This is especially serious if one partner becomes emotionally dependent on another person instead of their partner.
An act of infidelity is an immediate sign that the relationship can’t be saved. It is the ultimate form of betrayal, and worse, it is said that once a cheater, always a cheater.
Dishonesty
Lying is one of the most common causes of doubt in relationships. Some believe that a small white lie can help them avoid conflict. However, excessive white lies can snowball into something grave.
While a small lie may seem harmless at the moment, excessive and frequent dishonesty will continuously chip away at the relationship’s trust. Even if a person begins to tell the truth, their partner may struggle to distinguish between truth and lies due to the pervasive dishonesty.
Indifference
People often think that the opposite of love is hate. Hate is an extreme emotion because of love, but indifference is the lack or loss of love.
Many factors lead a person to become indifferent in a relationship; it could range from multiple and constant arguments to repetitive reprimands. Becoming indifferent is a sign that a person has either given up on the relationship or is tired of their partner. What used to be joy and passion in every interaction becomes soulless and apathetic.
Lack of Communication
Communication is one of, if not the most essential, needs of a relationship. When something needs to be said or pointed out, one must communicate in a way that their partners can understand.
While miscommunication is common in most relationships, some couples actually lack proper communication, making one person feel left behind or out of touch with their partner.
A severe lack of communication can be in the form of not actively responding, stonewalling during conflicts, or constantly interjecting mid-argument.
Sociological Factors
It is often said that how a person handles a relationship can reflect how they were raised; the outcome can be either positive or negative. Sometimes, cultural differences can prevent two people from fitting well together.
Although it is not usually based solely on a person’s behavior, it is important to understand the boundaries of one’s culture or family background. For example, many Chinese families expect their children to marry someone of Chinese descent or at least half Chinese.
Growing Apart
Have you noticed changes between you and your partner? Their way of life may have changed; they seem to thrive when you’re not around. That’s a sign that the two of you have grown apart.
What causes couples to grow apart? Avoidance, indifference, complacency, resentment, and lack of communication are a few. When couples grow apart, it can be difficult—even impossible—to bring them back together.
Abuse
Abuse should never be tolerated. Whether it is physical, mental, or verbal, no one should go through such violence. If your partner is showing signs or has a history of abuse, you have the right to leave the relationship.
Vices
Everyone has their own vices. Whether it is consumable, like alcohol or drugs, or interactive, like gambling or betting. While these are normal if done in moderation, they become a problem when done excessively.
Once addicted, they slowly become dependent on that vice. According to Addiction Help, 7.3% of marriages end in divorce due to drug or alcohol addiction.
If your partner is showing signs of substance dependency or unmoderated gambling, it’s not too late to consider leaving the relationship.
Complacency
Sometimes it’s not how they respond or behave, but how they handle things in their relationship. When someone becomes too comfortable in a relationship and is familiar with how their partner handles frustrations, they may become complacent. This can cause one person to take advantage of their partner’s tolerance, allowing them to evade responsibility for their own mistakes.
If your partner has gotten away with more conflicts than they should, you might want to reconsider your relationship with them; you don’t need someone to abuse your kindness and tolerance.
Financial Insufficiency
You can have the greatest person in the world—someone who loves you, cares for you, and makes you feel good emotionally and spiritually. The problem is, you’re both financially unstable. While it’s nice to be in a loving relationship, you need money to continue the relationship.
Yes, there are times when couples face financial struggles, but if you’re both struggling constantly, then problems will only pile up. When there’s a financial struggle in the relationship, arguments and conflicts follow. A relationship can’t survive on love alone—it also needs financial stability to ensure both partners have a good future together.
People have considered this a reason to take a break from their relationship. Not because they don’t love each other, but because they feel stagnant financially. Some people dream of moving up in the world—having their own house, car, and a life with no bank loans.
The Relationship Can Still be Saved
If you see signs he doesn’t want to break up with you, then your relationship may still be saved. However, make sure your partner is willing to work on your relationship before giving him a chance to make things right.
Realistically, there are more than 10 reasons to end a relationship, and each one takes time and effort to set right. Some, such as infidelity, are impossible to fix alone. They require both partners to work together. That’s why open and honest communication is important.
Don’t get your hopes up, though. Set realistic expectations, so when things don’t go the way you want them to, the pain of a breakup won’t be as painful.
Because sometimes, ending a relationship is the best solution.
References:
Miller, Jessica, and Kent S. Hoffman. 2025. “Addiction & Divorce - Marriage Resources for Spouses of Addicts.” Addiction Help. https://www.addictionhelp.com/addiction/divorce/.