Should I Keep Trying or Walk Away From My Difficult Relationship?

Dear eNotAlone: I'm really struggling with a difficult relationship in my life. I don't know if I should keep trying to make it work or just walk away and let it go. It all started out great, but the longer we've been together, the more issues we seem to have. We both get angry at each other so easily and then we can't seem to move past it. There's so much on my plate already and I just don't know how to handle this anymore. I don't want to give up, but I don't know if I can take any more disappointment and heartache. How do I know if I should keep trying or if I should just walk away?

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At times like these, it can be hard to decide what the best course of action is for the difficult relationship in your life. It's important to weigh out the pros and cons to determine if it's worth it to keep trying or if it's time to just walk away. The first step is to take a look at the positives in the relationship. What are some aspects that are enjoyable or that make you feel good about continuing the relationship? Identify these and make a list.

The second step is to think about the negatives in the relationship. What kind of behavior has made it difficult to maintain the relationship? Is it abusive in any way or do you just struggle with communication between one another? Take a look at how these issues are impacting the relationship and make a list of the things that hurt.

Once you have both the pros and cons listed out, start to weigh the importance of each item. Pay attention to the things that matter most to you and analyze how much they mean in the grand scheme of the relationship. Are the good things outweighed by the bad things or is there still potential to make the relationship work?

If you decide that the relationship isn't worth continuing, it's time to walk away. This can be a hard decision to make, especially when emotions are involved, but ultimately it is up to you to decide what's best for you and your well-being. Take some time to think about what you want for yourself and give yourself permission to make the choice that feels right for you.

On the other hand, if you decide that it's worth putting in the effort to try to make the relationship better, take steps to address the underlying issues. Often times this means communicating in a constructive manner, but it can also include getting counseling or attending couples therapy. It's important to be honest and open with one another, and to approach the situation with an understanding that it will take effort and commitment in order to make the changes necessary.

The decision to stay in the relationship or walk away rests with you. You are the only one who can decide what will make you happiest in the long run. Before you make any final decisions, think deeply and thoroughly about what you need and what kind of life you want for yourself.