One of the most painful happenings in life is when you let go of someone you love who no longer needs you. Like this sharing of an unknown writer, “I have been in a relationship with my former long-time boyfriend for almost 10 years, on and off, and even though our relationship became very toxic after the first 3 years, I found it impossible to let go simply because I knew that without him I would be very unhappy and the irony is that I was already very unhappy, we both were.”
Alyssa Ho of “Follow Elite Daily website,” has this to say, “There comes a point in every person’s life when he or she parts ways with someone: ex, friend and anyone in between. Upon first meeting, there’s a sweet beginning, but once you come to really know each other and grow comfortable, you suddenly realize that the relationship no longer brings any particular value to your life and is perhaps, even detrimental. Time can tie people together, but if you feel as though there’s nothing substantial keeping you connected, time is not a strong enough reason to hold on something that’s simply no longer worth holding onto. If the person isn’t bringing something significant to your life, not treating you how you’d like, it’s a clear sign that you need distance.”
There are reasons why one has to let go of a relationship when the glow of love, care and respect is no longer there as cited by Ho:
Let go because things are not the same anymore. It’s difficult to hold on to people in life, but remember that you’re destined to meet different people along your journey who will bring you happiness, sorrow, pain and joy.
Let go because the trust and loyalty isn’t there. Trust and loyalty are the foundation of any friendship and relationship. If these are not present, it may only lead to paranoia, frustration, tension and anger that you’re better off without these feelings.
Let go because you are unclear of where you stand. Engaging in an unidentified friendship or relationship is confusing because you don’t know what you mean to the person, if anything at all. If the person can’t make you feel as though you’re significant, reflect on why you’re allowing someone to treat you this way. Be in the company of someone who is proud to have you in his or her life.
Let go if the friendship or relationship is damaging to you. If the friendship/relationship is making you unhappy or miserable, it’s time to bid the person farewell. We must not allow ourselves to feel trapped and used to being treated far less well than we deserve. If someone is putting you down, competing with you, not paying attention to you, not caring about you, abusing you, embarrassing you in front of others, making you question yourself, belittling you, or simply just not caring about you, remove the negativity from your life as soon as possible. Respect yourself enough to be able to walk away.