Navigating relationships in today’s society can feel overwhelming and, at times, even impossible. We often seem to need someone to feel complete, influenced by the media we are constantly exposed to. From how relationships begin to how they continue to evolve, society puts immense pressure on being in a relationship. This pressure can lead to settling for the wrong person, missing important warning signs, or willingly choosing to ignore them.
You might find yourself in a relationship that started off strong, only to shift unexpectedly over time. You may feel obligated to stay, holding on to the small amount of good that remains. If you find yourself in that situation, it can be hard to walk away. It can be harder to realize that you deserve more — that your worth does not equate to your relationship status, public or private.
If you grew up in an environment where you didn’t get to witness a healthy relationship, it can be difficult to recognize what a truly healthy relationship looks like and how it should feel. A healthy relationship looks like two people who can communicate effectively and productively.
A healthy relationship is built on effective communication, where both partners feel respected and heard. Your partner should never resort to name-calling, raising their voice in anger, throwing objects, or using physical force at any time. It’s important to foster a safe environment where both people can feel heard and seen.
In unhealthy relationships, these behaviors can become common, even if they falsely promise otherwise. While anger is a natural emotion, it’s essential to handle it constructively, without resorting to harmful actions.
Words need to align with a person’s actions. While it can be easy to overlook, inconsistency can show itself in many ways. Lack of accountability and dismissing or belittling your feelings are behaviors that should not be ignored. These are crucial indicators that it’s time to let go. If you find yourself repeatedly telling someone that their actions are making you uncomfortable, it’s a clear sign to walk away.
A healthy relationship is built on mutual support, not competition. Being with your partner is more than enough — love isn’t measured by extravagant gifts or material things that come and go. What truly matters is the foundation you build together. The roots you plant, you nurture as a team, growing both individually and as a couple. A healthy relationship means cheering each other on, celebrating successes, and helping each other become the best version of yourselves. It’s about working together, not against each other.
It’s important to remember that it should always be the two of you versus the problem, not you versus them. Finding a solution requires both partners to work together. While relationships may
not all look the same, they all deserve to be healthy. Love is meant to be safe, gentle, and kind. Love should never intentionally hurt you.
Moving on and healing look different for everyone, and the process is rarely linear. It’s easy to fall into the trap of comparing your journey to someone else’s, but progress is personal. Walking away from an unhealthy situation is a significant step, and having the strength to do so is something to be proud of. Acknowledge that accomplishment.
If you feel ready, opening up to trusted friends or family about your experience can help you move forward. If that doesn’t feel right yet, professional resources are available to support you. Healing happens at your own pace. This is the beginning of your next chapter, and it starts with you.
