Should I Stay or Should I Go?

Relationships can be a tricky and when things start to go wrong, we’re often left feeling unsure about what to do. One of the most common questions we ask ourselves is whether we should stay or go. It’s natural to want to bail when things get tough, but is this always the right decision? Let's look at some of the reasons why you shouldn’t be too quick to get out of a relationship and how you can learn from working through the challenges.

Photo by cottonbro studio

It’s only natural to think that getting out of a difficult relationship will solve all our problems. However, more often than not, the opposite happens. Running away from relationship issues and getting into a new one can prevent us from truly dealing with our problems. It's like jumping from the frying pan into the fire. While starting fresh can provide temporary relief, these problems can reemerge in the new relationship. So, before jumping ship, it's important to evaluate what went wrong and what part we played in its failure.

Self-awareness plays a crucial role in finding a solution to any problem, and relationships are no exception. We must take responsibility for the part we played in the breakdown of the relationship. It's important to ask yourself some important questions. Have you been keeping your promises? Have you done what you said you would do? Have you respected your partner’s feelings and needs? Answering these questions honestly will help you get a clearer understanding of your situation.

It's important to realize that relationships are not there just to make us happy. They're also there to help us grow in ways that are impossible to achieve on our own. Staying through the tough times and finding ways to improve communication, problem solving, empathy and trust can help you grow as a person and as a couple. The things you learn from working through relationship struggles will likely be valuable throughout your lifetime.

Apart from understanding ourselves, we need to understand our partners as well. Relationships require effort from both parties to make them work. It's worth examining whether you are contributing positively or negatively to the relationship’s health. Understanding this can help you learn about yourself and make essential changes necessary to create a happy and healthy partnership. Rather than leaving when things feel difficult, it's worth considering how you can improve the relationship and whether you want your partner to improve too.

The decision to stay or leave a relationship is entirely up to you. But, don't be too quick to pull the plug. Take the time to evaluate your situation, identify the root causes of your problems, learn how to communicate, listen, empathize, and solve problems together. If you make a thoughtful and informed decision to leave, you'll do so without regrets and can move forward with valuable lessons learned. If you make the decision to stay, you'll have the opportunity to learn and grow together in your relationship. As long as you are both committed to this positive, growth-oriented mindset, there is no reason why you can't have a happy, healthy partnership, one that lasts a lifetime.