…well as a positive outlook. Reach out to them and ask for help through these difficult times. Chances are that people close to you already know how unhappy you are in your present relationship. Don’t hesitate to surround yourself with people who really care about you.
5. Just do it.
Once you are emotionally ready to put an end the relationship, give it to them straight. Unless you fear for your physical safety, do it personally – breaking up by email, text or even over the phone should be avoided as far as possible. Just in case, prepare yourself for an emotional outburst or even emotional blackmail from your partner in an attempt to keep you back. Express yourself in a calm, precise manner and then allow him/her to respond. Hear whatever they have to say but don’t get trapped in accusations, counter-accusations and justifications. Keep in mind that you have made your decision and are here simply to let them know.
6. Allow yourself time to grieve.
Even if the move to get out of the relationship has come from you, it is sure to bring its share of pain. So allow yourself a few days to feel sad. Pull down the blinds, put on some soulful music and have a good cry. Do whatever is necessary to work the misery out of your system. But please avoid drinking binges, drug-taking or any other risk-taking behavior. Everything will be just fine.
7. Give yourself a treat.
Many a time it is difficult to leave an unhappy relationship – opting out seems too much effort and it is easier to lapse back into the way things were. In order to prevent this from happening, reward yourself with something nice after each stage of getting out. For instance if you have been able to go on a whole week without calling or mailing your recent ex, treat yourself to a brunch at your favorite restaurant.
8. Keep your schedule booked.
One of the best ways to leave behind an unhappy relationship is to stay busy. Even the otherwise mind-numbing routine of a domestic life – taking out the trash, shopping for supplies, filling up the gas tank – can motivate you to continue with your regular life and thus come out of your house, instead of giving way to loneliness and depression. Stay moving. Keep your head up.
9. Don’t go looking for a rebound.
Once out of an unhappy relationship, you may be eager to get back to dating scene. But remember, rebound affairs never work because you are just not emotionally ready for a new relationship. And even if you are not serious about it yourself, it’s not fair to the other person who may not be aware of your real feelings. It’s best to make sure you healed before you get back out there. Take your time.