Thankfully, I’ve been out of the dating game for a while, but there were plenty of times I found myself in a “situationship.” These can be exciting and spontaneous relationships, but they often lack stability and commitment. If you are feeling drained or stagnant in your “situationship,” it could be time to reevaluate it altogether. Here are 10 reasons you might want to let go.
1. You’re Always Confused About Where You Stand
If there is constant uncertainty about your role and place in someone’s life, it’s probably time to let go. You might be questioning if you are “more than friends” all the time. This is a clear sign that the relationship lacks definition and this can cause emotional stress, anxiety, and self-doubt. Everyone deserves a relationship where they feel valued and where they are certain of their partner’s feelings and intentions. Staying in a situationship can stunt your personal growth and prevent you from finding a more meaningful connection.
2. Your Needs Are Not Being Met
Another sign it’s time to leave your situationship in the past is if you find that you’re feeling neglected. It’s important that both partners make an effort to meet each other’s needs. If that’s not happening, it’s a sign that they aren’t making you a priority. Moving on will allow you to seek a relationship where your needs are respected and met.
3. You’re the Only One Making Plans
Real relationships involve teamwork. It shouldn’t be a solo effort. If you’re always the one initiating dates and plans, it might be time to think about the future of the relationship. When both people are making a consistent effort, it shows mutual interest. Without this, it can feel like you’re being taken advantage of. So, if you find you’re the only one making it effort, it might be time to call it quits.
4. They Avoid Defining the Relationship
Any time your partner seems like they are trying to avoid defining the relationship, it is a sign that they’re trying to keep their options open. People who want a committed relationship are typically excited to establish clarity about the relationship status. Additionally, avoiding labels can lead to confusion and ultimately can make you feel undervalued. Sometimes, letting go is the only way to reclaim your worth.
5. There’s No Emotional Growth
Growth is a natural part of a healthy relationship. Both partners will evolve and their bond will deepen as they grow together. If your “situationship” feels like it has become stagnant, it’s probably time to move on. Being stuck in an unchanging connection to someone will limit your personal growth. More than that, you will lack a deeper connection in the relationship. Walking away can open doors to experience new things that will support your growth.
6. Your Happiness is Dependent on Their Attention
Your happiness shouldn’t rely on anyone’s attention. If you find that you’re only happy when they are around, it could be a sign that you’re too dependent on them. True happiness should come from within. At the end of the day, a fulfilling relationship will only add to that happiness. You should be able to be independent and have personal contentment without them present.
7. You’re Afraid to Bring Up Your Feelings
If you feel like you can’t express yourself openly, it’s a red flag. You might feel like you can’t express your emotions because you’re afraid of how they’ll react or that it will end things between you. A real partner will care about you and want to understand your feelings. You’ll tackle things together. Letting go might be the best option if you find yourself unable to express yourself. You deserve to find someone who you feel safe with.
8. You’re Not a Priority
Another key sign that it’s time to let go of your situationship is that they aren’t making you a priority. This indicates that you’re not getting the respect you deserve and it can often make you feel inadequate. Ending the relationship could possibly open the door to someone who goes out of their way to make time for you and support you.
9. Your Goals for the Future Don’t Align
It’s important for partners to have similar goals or at least respect the other person’s ambitions. If you discover that your life goals don’t align with your partner’s and there is no room for compromise, it’s probably best to call it quits. Misaligned goals and values will create friction and prevent your relationship from truly thriving. Not to mention, it can stunt your personal growth. So, move on. It could allow you to pursue a future that really aligns with what you want in life.
10. You Feel More Anxiety Than Happiness
Although happiness comes from within, if you find yourself constantly stressed or worried about your situationship, it might be time to end it. Interacting with your partner shouldn’t be draining. Oftentimes, these feelings of anxiety come from lack of commitment, communication, or compatibility. Choosing happiness sometimes means letting go of what’s causing you distress.
Embrace What You Deserve
Walking away from a situationship can be a hard choice to make, especially when emotions are at an all-time high. However, letting go of the relationship can lead you to something better that aligns with what you want in life. Make your happiness a priority and realize what you deserve in a relationship. Sometimes, letting go of what’s not right can make space for something that will change your life.