Leaving a Toxic Partner? – 3 Things You Should Know
Leaving a partner that has been toxic in your life is one of the best things you can do. But, even after you’ve made the decision to get out of the relationship, it isn’t always smooth sailing.
Simply put, leaving a toxic partner can be more difficult than you may have originally thought. There are some things you should keep in mind to make the process easier for you.
Making healthy adjustments in your life is vital to do as you get out of a toxic relationship. Unfortunately, without the right guidance, that isn’t always easy.
If you’re feeling a little lost as you leave your toxic partner, keep these suggestions in mind to make the process easier.
1. Don’t Fall for “Instant Change”
Many times, the abusive partner in the relationship will try to convince you to stay by suggesting they have changed. Or, telling you that they’re at least willing to change, to get help, etc.
This is an abuse tactic. It’s often used to keep people hanging on in relationships. More often than not, though, things will continue to get worse.
This isn’t to say people never change or can’t overcome things. But, it doesn’t mean you have to deal with abuse while they go through those changes.
It’s still a good idea to get out of the relationship and give that partner a chance to work on themselves. If you leave and they don’t show any signs of changing, you’ll know they were just trying to keep you on the hook.
2. Make a Clean Break
One of the biggest mistakes people make when they’re trying to leave a toxic relationship is staying in contact with their abusive partner.
Again, your partner might try several different tactics to keep you holding on. It’s important to stay strong and break off all contact.
Don’t feel cruel or guilty about making a clean break. It’s better for your own mental and emotional health and will make it easier to move on.
Feelings of regret aren’t uncommon for someone who is getting out of a toxic relationship. Communicating with your ex-partner here and there can make those feelings much worse.
3. Don’t Go Through It Alone
Being able to talk about your feelings is an important part of the healing process. Having a support system to help you get through it will make a big difference. It’s okay to make new friends. In fact, that can even be very beneficial and help you to feel like you’re getting a fresh start.
But, don’t shut out family members and friends who have been there for you for a long time. They will undoubtedly be your biggest supporters as you go through this adjustment period.
It doesn’t matter if you were in a toxic relationship for five months or ten years. It’s never easy to move on. If your partner abused you in any way throughout that relationship, you might need to seek out professional help.
The most important thing is to remember that you don’t have to go through this experience alone. Keeping things inside will only make matters worse for you, and can make it harder to get over the broken relationship.
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If you’re struggling with leaving a toxic partner, don’t be ashamed. We can work through the process together. You’ve already taken the first crucial step by deciding to leave the relationship.
The journey that follows is typically a long and sometimes difficult one, but it’s one you don’t have to go through alone. Please, contact me to learn more about how I can help you leave a toxic relationship.
