How to End an Unhealthy Relationship

Everyone at some point in their lives find themselves in a relationship that is unhealthy for one reason or another. It can be an unhealthy friendship or an unhealthy intimate relationship. In some cases, the unhealthy relationship can even become a dangerous one. When you come to the full realization that a relationship that you are in is unhealthy and you know without a shadow of a doubt that you need to end it, it is best to do it as quickly and subtly as possible.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

1. Have a short talk with the person about the need to end the relationship. Don't allow the person to manipulate you or make you feel guilty about ending the unhealthy relationship.

2. Talk in person or over the phone. The mature way to end the relationship would be to end it in person, however, depending on the past or known behavior of the person, you may need to choose to end it over the phone.

3. Remain calm and in control when having your conversation even if the other person starts to rant and rave.

4. Escape the unhealthy, dangerous environment and relationship as quickly and as wisely as possible in cases where the person is violent. In a situation like this, you would need to end the relationship without having a conversation at all. When dealing with a dangerous person, you may need to get others involved, including the authorities for your safety.

5. End the relationship by staying away from the person if the person is dangerous to himself and others or if the person you're ending the relationship with is good at manipulating you back into the relationship. If you ever run into the person in public, it's important to stay calm and in control, yet watchful. However, say your goodbyes as quickly as possible.

[JunkYardSaint]

on 8/14/2009 This is good but only scratches the surface when the relationship is a boyfriend/girlfriend relationship or even a good friend of the same sex can be a complicated and sensitive issue when you've been through a lot together or have some areas in your respective lives that you're able to bond on. On the other hand - even in the more complex situations this can be good advice too because sometimes the best solution to a complex issue is a simple one. Thanks for a thought provoking eHow

[italianprincess]

on 7/9/2008 thats true