When Is It Time To Let Go?

"Then I hear a whisper that this too will pass." - India Arie

We have all been there.  In that dried up "relationship" where you have hit a wall.  Now this does not necessarily have to be in regards to the dating world, but this can also occur with a close friends or family members as well.  People are always changing and eventually certain people are not supposed to be in your life.  So how do you go about identifying the right time to make these changes and how do you ensure you do not revert back to your old habits?

Listen to Your Friends


I am a very open individual.  Constantly, I speak what is on my mind and my best friends near and far know almost everything about my life.  When a guy that is not right for me comes into my life they are always ready to express their concern. (These fantastic individuals know exactly who they are and in rough times they are there to catch me when I am about to fall.) There are numerous women out there who are waiting to see you face plant, but don't be the girl that classifies all women or men in one light.  I don't know where I would be without my best friends who love me unconditionally. Even when they let me go in the wrong direction, they never rub it in my face although they were right all along.  The nagging is for a reason, listen to it!

Remember Your Mistakes


Don't fall subject to having the same people in your life.  Do not dwell on your mistakes, but simply learn to read the signs.  It's just like when you went to history class and you were told you had to learn about what happened in the 1800's so we as a government would not repeat history.  Well, the same can be applied to your relationships.  If you had to leave a man who was abusive and you notice possessive tendencies in your new love interest RUN. The same goes for jealous friends or negative coworkers.  Get to know patterns before you become too emotionally invested.

Put Things That Make You Happy First


If you like to write, then pick your book back up.  If the outdoors speaks to you then hike more. Were you once a committed dancer? Get back to the studio. Some people have a real issue with doing things on their own, but if you are not comfortable hanging out with yourself, then how will others enjoy your company?  Take a weekend and commit time to your passions without an outsider's input.

Additionally, Let Go If...

You find yourself fighting for control
You are happier without them
Work is an escape
Your instincts tell you to leave
If your friends and/or loved ones all say the same thing
You find yourself making excuses to do anything else
Comfort is the reason you are seeing each other, nothing else
If you can never see eye to eye (sometimes is OK, but always is never alright)

It is never OK to keep the wrong people in your life. Trust your heart and not your temporary, faulty feelings. There are way too many people in this world that will help you grow and flourish as an individual so why keep the wrong people around?

Photo by sjacobs716 (self)