Breaking up: How and When

Blinded by lust or desire for companionship, most people enter into relationships without considering these very important aspects, which is the culprit in a large portion of breakups. In truth, the reasons why certain relationships spark up, flicker, and die off are numerous. Below are some of the more common ones.

Infidelity
Number one deal breaker. Nothing destroys trust faster than deciding to hook up sexually outside the relationship. I have never understood this myself. If a person wants to sleep around, why get in a serious relationship at all?

Finances
Despite how we would like to concentrate solely on love, money problems can put a strain on relationships, particularly if irresponsible spending has created a hefty credit burden on one, or both of you.

Growing Apart/Different Goals
This is especially a problem for people who got together when they were young. The lucky ones have common goals that do not waiver, even as they get older. The majority of young couples however, tend to grow up and apart. This is because our needs and wants change as we broaden our educational and life horizons.

Communication problems
You both want different things from a relationship, but don't know how to get your needs across without it becoming a screamfest. This is largely due to the fact that most people concentrate on their own desires, thereby failing to hear what their partner is saying. This results in walls that can be built so high, they become impenetrable and a break up can ensue.

Know when to move on
My husband and I fight on occasion, but it is very rare. If I were going to measure, I'd say we are content 95 percent of the time, meaning we spend much more time loving and enjoying one another than fighting. If the opposite happens to be true, take that as a big red flag. I've known far too many girlfriends who bitterly complained about their mistreatment, yet, when asked why they stayed, they invariably replied, Well, he isn't that way all the time.

This begs the question of how often the bad occurred, as opposed to good. Even a fifty-fifty split isn't all that great. Drama is not fun, cool or sexy, and gets old over time. On the opposite end, many people attempt to move on when the supposed thrill has gone. I don't necessarily think that is a good idea, either. Every romance, no matter how grand, fizzles from time to time. If things have hit a snag, don't toss the baby out with the bathwater, give your love a chance and be proactive!

Re-ignite the spark
Setting romantic goals for one another can rekindle the flames, keeping you from heartbreaks door. If, however, the person cheats on you constantly and/or abuses you verbally or physically, I would have to say a break up is not only desirable, it is mandatory. A relationship is supposed to be your shelter from the storm, not the hurricane itself. If you are not being loved, respected and supported, it is time to move on to something more healthy.

How to do it
Best case scenario is that both people mutually decide that it is time to move on. In the most common scenario only one person wants to leave the relationship. Even in a situation where both people realize it is time to move on, the pain can be tremendous, especially if the break up is due to outside factors, like a job relocation. It is more devastating, when one of you don't want to let go, despite all indications that it is time to do so.

If you are the one doing the breaking up, just realize there is no easy way to do it. Be kind, but direct. Also, expect anger, even pleading, but if you know your decision is right, stand your ground, no matter what. If you are on the receiving end of a break up, try to handle yourself with dignity. While no one likes to be told, "I don't want to be with you", how you react will be your measure against being a child or a mature adult.

Do be honest about how you feel. If you are angry, say so, if you need a moment to cool off, do it, but in the end, you can't make someone stay if they want to go. Let them go.

Also, choose where you do the break up wisely. Too public or too intimate can mean disaster. A stroll around the block or to the park is a nice in between place, and gives the option to the injured party to wander off if they need some time alone, sans the dramatic door slam.

Let go completely
Some people ask themselves, "What if I made a mistake?" soon after a break up. The thing they must realize is that, while said ex may have had a host of good qualities, there were reasons you two broke up. Concentrating on that will keep you from harboring getting back together fantasies.

Another trap is bitterness. Holding on to resentment can make it impossible for you to remain open to meeting new people and you can miss out on amazing life relationships.

Things do not always work out the way we want. Accept that and try not to live in the past. Just remember, not every romance will last. We should value each and every one of experiences, good and bad, as they enrich us and help us grow. If we keep an open mind and heart, maybe we can ease the painful transitions periods a bit, and come out on the other side, stronger, wiser and more loving.