Ending a Relationship: How Do You Know When Enough Is Enough?

I've been with my boyfriend for 6 years now.He has had massive debts from a difficult time in his life before he met me and he spent years whilst we were together paying them off and he has many regrets. He still has a lot to pay off. Over the last few years I've tried talking to him about the future and what I want and whether he wants the same. I was faced with an angry brick wall and it's been difficult! He has felt he can't afford marriage etc and so just cut off from thinking about the future and cut himself off from me. He lives in the moment. He loves me very much but I've got to the point now I'm not sure I love him like I used to after all the emotional hurt I've been through. He recently starting talking to me about the future after I was saying that I might have to leave but I'm worried it's too late! I need to decide what to do very soon because I've agreed to pay off his debt and help us move forward in our relationship which is all I've ever wanted to do. I feel i will break him if i leave, he doesn't have a strong bond with his family and has little friends. I hope time will tell and give me strength to know what to do! I'm scared deep down I know.
Thankyou for your blog post, it's been helpful to read! x

Thank you for your post - it's the most helpful I have come across in some time.
I am struggling with the decision to end my year long relationship - our anniversary is actually today, and it has made me particularly reflective.
He has generalized anxiety disorder - which I knew from the outset. He has been in therapy for over 20 years and did a successful run of Cognitive Behaviour Therapy several years ago. He seemed quite well adjusted when I met him. He fell in love with me extremely quickly, and I followed suit soon after. A series of unfortunate events occurred for him soon after our relationship blossomed though - he lost his high profile job, his best friend died suddenly, he was displaced to another country for a job (being displaced is what causes most of his anxiety) for 6 weeks, and soonafter I was displaced for 6 weeks (which made things even worse). Then we moved in together, which I'm realizing was a big mistake.
Every time another stressful event occurred, and he acted out (constant panic attacks, social isolation, suicidal talk), it was clear his problem was in no way solved, but I reasoned that what he was going through was just because of current events, and things would get better. Well, it's been 4 months now without a 'bad' incident, and he only seems to get worse. I try to be fully supportive and help him through his depression and anxiety, but I am exhausted. I am a very strong, stable person, and I know that's a big reason why he fell for me, but I'm exhausted and annoyed with him. But I'm wracked with guilt when I think of leaving him.
Since he's so anxious, he is sensitive and senses me pulling away emotionally. In those moments he reverts to a child like state and says things like, 'You hate me' and 'Don't leave me. I can't live without you.' I can't respond to these things with mature conversation. Soothing and reassuring him are the only things that calm him. He also constantly 'jokes' about wanting to die and says he has suicidal thoughts all the time. When I said I found that disturbing he countered that his therapist (he has been seeing the same one for 20 years...which makes me think that he's just an enabler at this point) says that it's 'normal'.
I'm pretty sure I know that I have to end this for both of our sakes - I'm striving to continue to live my busy and social life, while he mostly stays at home isolating himself from everything. I'm constantly biting my tongue and swallowing my annoyance and disappointment in him, but he's a skilled manipulator (arguments with him always leave me in tears because he just emotionally attacks until I break) and I'm finding it really really hard to get to a strong enough place to tell it like it is, whether it destroys him or not.
The thought of me leaving him while he's in such a bad state makes me feel awful...I know it will take years for him to get over some of the things he's been through...but I guess it's not fair to merely stay with somebody out of guilt.
I anticipate that leaving him might be the hardest thing i will ever do. I hope I find the strength to do it soon.

I could probably write a book..I don't know what to do . This is my 2nd marriage n aslo his I have 2 kids from my first marriage n 1 with my husband now. We have had problems from the beginning. He is a awesome man a great provider our sexual life is good when we are not at each other heads. My husband works with computers networking so he knows every little thing there is .. I have never cheated disrespect him in any way to hurt him. Maybe not give him much attention but how can I . I only work part time but as the woman with all boys cleaning cooking washing food shopping organization is all me. He comes home n bam on couch n the laptop or phone or tv do not leave his site. It is very hard to deal with . We argue now n then . It used to get bad not physical but broken things n verbal abuse to me is normal I don't even listen anymore I block it out . Well in my gut I felt he was cheating never had evidence but week ago found porn being sent tohis friends from his email n in spam and trash alot of stuff but not open to what I saw. I am so lost n hurt. Things are so different . Yes I'm scared he is the provider. . I would have to go to my moms and at 40 that's a hard choice. We have a house which was mine when we met I lived here 6 years with 2 children n was doing ok. I opened my heart again after 5 years of si gle life . Now I get I can get out leave so on. I can not afford this. I did leave twice n both times talk me in coming back. I know he loves me but there is so much confusing hurt sadness does this ever stop. I do not trust him. He has went to talk to someonen they did put him on meds. But this was about the time with the sites n stuff. Also we have account together which I have no mac card do not know what goes in n out but my names are on the checks .this seems so messed up ! What do I do ~
E

I'm in the early stages of ending a long term relationship.
We've gone back and forth thinking we can fix things.
He is a long term cannabis user, doesn't drink a lot but when he does it always causes problems.
There has been emotional abuse and physical aggression fr many years.
The trust was broken many times.
Why did i Stay ?
Tried to talk myself into staying but a voice in me s screaming No No No.
I feel guilt for him, I feel like the jerk who had to make a decision.
Please help

Thank you for this post and all the replies. I have found some comfort and reduced my own feelings of isolation as I sit on the decision fence about my own 7 year relationship. I am borrowing the idea for a temporary break in our relationship from and suggested it to my partner. At first he thought it was a good idea so I talked to my mom about staying at her place while she is away on vacation. When I brought it up again my partner said "whatever YOU want to do". Well we both agreed to this but now it's being laid at my doorstep. This is a common behaviour - I suggest something to get our relationship on track and he goes along half heartedly. I don't know what to suggest anymore - I'm out of ideas. But I like the idea of a temporary break so that I can think and get a new perspective, where I can have mental space to examine where I want my life to go and how my partner fits in/doesn't fit in with that. I do know that his dragging his feet on having/adopting children is beyond disappointing to me. I went off the Pill 2 years ago and that killed his sex drive. Even as I type this I realize what message he is sending me -no kids. And that is one of my non-negotiables. So why have I kept trying to pull this relationship together? Million dollar question. I look forward to next week when the temp break starts but I may not like what I come up with! Regards, Niki

Rene,
Ooo! You are between a rock and a hard place. Just listen and try to distract her as much as you can! A clean break can sometimes be easier, but anything can be an excuse to feel worse.
Just love her. She is lucky to have you!
xo
Jodi

Hi all,
My sister, not me, is currently going through a break-up. I've been there for her but sometimes i don't know how to comfort her when she feels sad and down, especially because since she broke up with him, he has not given any sign of life, and that hurts her because he said he loved her so much. I know the kind of guy he's but I don't want to say too much to my sister for my goal is to support her.
thanks
Rene

I have been in a relationship with a man (75) and I am 73. We dated 2 years ago and then he just dropped out of site. Now 2 months, he called and I took him back and asked him what he had been doing for 2 years and he said "Trying to get my head on straight) 2 years? So now after 2 months, he has dropped out of site again. Of course, I am hurt and confused but really know I really deserve better. What is your advice? Thanks!!

This helps validate my actions last week, when I decided I could no longer work with an abusive colleague. I don't know why, but she despises me - that word is not an overstatement, unfortunately. What made matters worse was that her attitude toward me was also reflected in her attitude toward students in her classroom. Verbal abuse, bullying, and - the final straw that occurred Friday - physical abuse (excessive/undue force). Just unreal. I wondered why I'd been so depressed all year and why I also have been feeling physically low - upset stomach, irritable intestines, nausea. Over the weekend, everything just clicked into place. Yes, the principal has been informed. I told him I can no longer be in that classroom as I believe it's better for the students and I don't wish to be accused of being an accessory to abuse. Today, I feel so much better.

[...] Let go of “tit for tat” thinking. “Getting even” is overrated. Remember when people hurt you, they are usually feeling unloved. You don’t have to solve this for everyone, but you can give love to your significant other. This will change their response to you. (Right away or eventually.*) Be kind and compassionate before being defensive and competitive. Express love. * Don’t however stay in an abusive situation waiting for the other person to change. Read Ending A Relationship: How do you know when enough is enough? [...]

I've recently decided to leave my husband. He has a drinking problem and doesn't see it. It's not my goal to convince him. I know what is right for me and this isn't. It doesn't make it easy at all. We have a son with special needs but I realized I worried more about my husband than my son. His happiness became my goal and when I understood that there was nothing I could do I knew it was over. I made a huge emotional investment and I feel defeated and drained. I love life too much to continue this. Wish him all the best.

It was so funny-and a bit sad-to look at these posts and see parts of me in most of them...
I have a saying about myself; I have a 'line in the sand'. I might get close to that line, and I'll take & take & take... but rarely do I cross it. If I DO cross that line, it means that I've finally had enough and it's almost impossible for me to cross back over.
I'm in a 5-year relationship. Keep in mind that neither of us are brand new to relationships -- both of us have been married before. A year ago, after several broken promises and my trust being shattered, I crossed my line. However, because I believe in love and wanted to be absolutely sure, I talked myself into crossing back over my line, learned to forgive, slowly learned to trust again, and put my heart out there again.
Unfortunately, a week ago my heart was broken again, and my trust disingrated. A promise he made to me (a HUGE, deeply meaningful promise to help in our relationship mending) was broken. To make things worse, I found out from friends of ours. I crossed my line again.
We hadn't moved in together (that was supposed to happen this spring), but I had things at his house. After many hours of tearful, heart-wrenching conversations, I told him that I didn't think it was a good idea to move forward in our plans of moving in together, and that I thought we both needed to step back and have time to think. I took most of my things from his house, and left.
Now, after having time to evaluate the relationship, I have come to the conclusion that things need to end between us. We're in different places as far as what we want/need in the relationship, and after 5 years nothing has changed.
I'll always love him (in that caring, once-upon-a-time way), but sometimes, love just isn't enough.

Comfort, instead of breaking the cycle and fixing us right away
Not only is that an issue, but he is stuck in both of our pasts which makes it hard for me to forget it aswell so it's just us playing in a ping pong match hitting back and fourth an emotional ball. Seems like I made the right decision sometimes and other times I feel I am going to die of a brpken heart. So alone and lost, but like the comment above, "this too shall pass"... I honestly can't wait for it to.
Thanks for the post, glad I came across all these stories, too.
Whitney

I read through all these comments and they are great. I can relate to some of the stories. Mine is somewhat alike, in a weird twisted way. I fell in love with a drug addict whom says he isn't an addict but when we end up breaking up he runs to them for xo

I'm in a difficult place right now, deciding whether or not to stay or leave. I've been with my boyfriend for 8 years and this is probably one of the hardest choices in my life to date. I don't see my life without him, but at this point I feel like he's not happy. I don't know what I am except confused. Thank you for this blog, I'm hoping for some clarity soon.

how about 39 yrs and he is so old! feel i would be a rat deserting a sinking ship. he acts as if he don't need me but he is fibbing! hanging on for the sake of the great passion that was in the past. still love him more than he will ever love me. holidays point this up with all the get-togethers.

Just a week and a half ago, I ended my 10 year relationship. This was the hardest decision I've ever had to make, but I knew in my heart that it was what I needed to do in order to find true happiness. It's weird, I just woke up one day and felt like something was missing in my relationship. Don't get me wrong, issues have been brought up to him SEVERAL times before, but nothing ever changed. The major thing- marriage. When I took him back 3 years ago and told him that I needed certain things to make it work, he agreed to work on it (example: Do more things as a couple, future marriage & having children). Well, I didn't realize that it had already been 3 years since he told me that and like the above comments, I had to step back and take a look at the situation. So, I brought it to his attention Labor Day weekend. I asked him if he saw me in 5 years as his wife and mother of his child. He told me no because he doesn't think about the future and just lives in the moment! Said that he thought his feelings would eventually change about marriage and that he was being selfish because he wanted me in his life. I'm sorry, but that just doesn't make sense to me! Needless to say, that's really all I needed to hear and I knew then it was over for good this time. I hate that it took so long to realize that this wasn't going anywhere and that I was just holding on to hope. A person that doesn't think about the future is not the right person for me, and I know that now- I deserve better. Anyway, sorry for the long story, but like others have said...it really does just hit you out of nowhere and you can finally say "Enough is enough" and move on.

ok, jodi, thanks!
--d

good article, jody. i was actually going thru a stay-or-leave decision before, during, and after the august 2012 john perkins omega workshops you helped (so well!) to facilitate. it was a very tough decision, our having been together for 5 years and 5 months. here's how i did it.
i stepped back and took an objective look at T's and my actions. this helped me see that T was pretty much putting just about everything in her life ahead of me, and i was primarily something to be worked into her higher priorities, on her terms.
in contrast, for me, most often, T and the relationship were my top priority, my passion. thus, there was a great imbalance.
if there were some significant give and take, we could have made it work. however, by stepping back, i could see that, most often, it was i who was the one giving, and she the one taking. at the end, when it came time to negotiate a key development, she was not willing to do for me what i was willing to do for her (work at/endure for the other's benefit).
thus, from your article above, what resonates best with me is: "Look deep inside you, beyond all fear and all guilt and there you’ll find the answer...Step back from the situation and see yourself and your partner from a distance. This...perspective can help you get clarity." this is indeed the approach i used and helped me to decide that it would be best for T and me to split--and we did, each agreeing that the time was right, and that the relationship--on which we had worked very hard for over five years--had finally run its course.
hope this helps your friend,
--d

You can’t leave and you can’t stay. That’s the sad point to which most relationships descend prior to the final curtain.
Before you break free give it a whole lot of thought. Make damn sure you want it to be over—not a little over, not mostly over—but over, over.
Make your decision in private. This is not the time for honesty or forthrightness or soul bearing with your mate. They’ll find out soon enough. Is this deceptive? Exactly.
But remember, you’re considering leaving for a reason, not because you’re with Ms. or Mister perfect. Somewhere in this relationship your mate hasn’t exactly been the most honest, the most compassionate, the most understanding with you, either.
And the one thing you don’t owe anybody is to spend your life miserable and unhappy.
If your decision is to end this thing then know this: It’s going to be painful. It might even be excruciating.
But also know “this too shall pass.”
And once it does and you find yourself in a better place emotionally—oh, boy. World watch out!
Hopefully, you’ll bump into your ex one day in the future. If you’re lucky they’ll be pushing one of those a homeless shopping cart down the alley, rummaging through garbage bins for aluminum cans: or maybe they’ll be standing by the freeway entrance pan handling. You’ll drop a few coins in their cup from your air conditioned Benz and speed away with a squeal of tires, wondering what in the hell did you see in that jerk, anyway.