The Worst Reasons to Stay in a Relationship That’s Obviously Not Working

Breaking up is hard. We’ve all been there, and we know it takes courage to end a relationship with someone you have grown comfortable with, and you might have even thought at one point you would spend the rest of your life with. But things change, and people change, and sometimes breaking up is for the best, no matter how many reasons you can think of to not do it. It won’t be easy at first, but you’ll get through it, and you’ll think back to how much time you wasted being with someone for all the wrong reasons.

  1. You’re afraid to be alone. Being single is nothing to be scared of. In fact there’s about a million amazing things about being single. The main thing to remember is that “single” does not mean “alone. You still have your friends, family, and career to keep you company. Besides, being single is 100 times better than being in an unhappy relationship, it’s a fact.
  2. You have too many mutual friends. Sure, there might be some awkward moments, and you might lose a few people along the way, but the friends that matter will stick around. At the end of the day, this is an excuse for not doing what you need to do, not a legitimate reason.
  3. You live together. Once you’ve combined all your possessions and gotten used to sharing bills, breaking up becomes a lot more complicated. But guess what? People do it every day, and you can too.
  4. Your parents love him. But your parents aren’t the ones who have to be in a relationship with him. They want you to be happy, so they’ll understand.
  5. You’re close with his family. Unfortunately, most of the time after a break up you have to give up spending time with your ex’s family. If you’re lucky, you might be able to keep in loose touch with them, but you’ll have to tread lightly. But again, it’s not them you’re dating, it’s him, so they can’t be the only reason you decide to stay.
  6. He makes a lot of money. What’s more important to you? A loving, stable relationship, or having more money than you know what to do with? You could have both, but not if you rely on a guy to provide for you. Make your own money, then you’ll have no reason to settle for less than true love.
  7. You hate dating. Why so negative? Dating can be fun! Sure, there’s always the mind numbing small talk, ridiculous online dating messages, and Friday nights all dressed up with no where to go, but there’s also the excitement of getting to know someone new. The possibilities are endless, and you never know what the future could bring. Enjoy it!
  8. You have no single friends. Maybe all you see in your future is being the fifth wheel on your married friends’ double dates, and always being the single one at every wedding. So, maybe you need to meet some new friends. There are tons of single women out there, and they are dying to meet you too.
  9. It’s just easier. Being complacent and content to do nothing may seem easier from moment to moment, but when you think about it in the long run, as in the rest of your life with this guy you don’t want to be with, it definitely isn’t. You’ll get through the hard parts, because there’s always a light at the end of the tunnel.
  10. He’s manipulating you into staying. If he has to talk you into staying, or emotionally manipulate you into feeling bad for him, it’s already over. It’s only a matter of time anyway, and you aren’t helping anyone by dragging it out. He’s not strong enough to do it, but you are. And you will.
  11. You really don’t want to hurt him. Of course you don’t. But it’s unavoidable. Just know that he’ll be okay in time. It’s not your responsibility to make him happy, so stop trying to shoulder all that weight.
By day, Courtney is a digital marketing copywriter living in Toronto, Canada. By night, she's a freelance lifestyle writer who, in addition to Bolde.com, contributes regularly to AmongMen.ca, IN Magazine, and SheBlogs Canada. Want to chat about relationships, Stephen King or your favorite true crime podcast/documentary/book? She's on Twitter @courtooo.
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