A breakup is a traumatic experience. However, getting out of a toxic one can be liberating. If you find yourself in a bad relationship, you’re not alone. One survey revealed that 29 percent of women and 10 percent of men experience dating violence.
While it may seem impossible, you can leave a toxic situation. Here we show you how to get out of a bad relationship and thrive.
How to Get Out of a Bad Relationship
Here are the steps to help you end a toxic relationship and foster self-love:
Stop Making Excuses for Bad Behavior
When you love someone, it’s easy to look at them through rose-colored glasses. When your partner shows you who they are, believe them. Instead of making excuses for why your partner belittles or berates you, see the behavior for what it is — abusive. The moment you stop trying to read between the lines, the more you can see your relationship clearly.
Set a Plan
Once you’ve taken off the rose-colored glasses, it’s time to formulate a plan. Studies show that people are more likely to make lasting changes when they come up with implementation intentions. Start by making “if/then” connections.
For example, instead of saying “If I leave him/her, then I will feel lonely and go back to them”, change the “then” to “I will feel empowered”. The purpose of this is to make it easier for you to let go of old patterns.
If your plan is to divorce, don’t hesitate to look up the cheapest way to get a divorce.
Don’t Expect the Decision to Be Easy
While leaving a toxic relationship is empowering, the process is not gonna be pretty. Making the decision to leave it no going to result in automatic happiness. This is a common misconception that many have.
The key is to give yourself enough time to regroup and find your happiness again. It won’t happen overnight but in due time you will feel lighter and more liberated.
Resist Temptation to Go Back
It’s not uncommon to want to go back to an abusive or toxic partner. This is the time when you may even romanticize your ex or remember the good times you had. However, it’s important to remember why you ended the relationship in the first place.
It helps to make a list of all the reasons you decided to leave and all the things you despised about your ex. Look at this list every time you think about reconnecting with your toxic partner.
Prioritize Self-Love
The period after ending a bad relationship is meant for you to shower yourself with love. Do things that make you happy and make you feel good. This is a perfect time to pick up a new hobby or even see a therapist.
You Deserve Healthy Love
This guide on how to get out of a bad relationship was meant to help you see that you are worthy of healthy love. If someone you know is in a toxic relationship, share this post.