Destructive Relationships - 3 Clear Signs the Relationship Should End

All relationships require work and a sincere desire to succeed. Generally, if both partners are healthy and balanced, and committed to bettering the relationship, the relationship can be a place of support and fulfillment. However, there are some situations and circumstances in which such a scenario is virtually impossible. If you insist upon staying in the relationship and persisting despite some of these conditions, you are likely to experience and painful, drawn out experience in disappointment, sadness and betrayal. Here are 3 clear signs that the relationship is destructive and may be better off ending:

1. There has been serial infidelity. An affair can ultimately strengthen a relationship, if the incident increases the communication and accountability between the partners. However, when there is a persistent pattern of unfaithfulness and broken trust, there is no foundation on which to build a safe, mutually satisfying union. Moreover, the health risks associated with continuing on in a non-monogamous relationship are very real and not worth your life and well being.

2. Your partner has untreated addiction issues. If your partner abuses drugs and/or alcohol and is not treating this problem, you will always take second place to the substance your partner craves. There are practical risks involved with associating with an addict as well. There are legal and financial pitfalls (DUI's, personal injury, even manslaughter or murder charges if someone is killed as a result of drinking or drugging). Your personal safety may even be at risk, for example if you get into a vehicle with your significant other when they have been using, and they have an accident.

3. There is any kind of abuse taking place in the relationship. If your partner is physically abusing you, contact a counselor or shelter that specializes in domestic violence issues. You will need proper guidance on how safely to exit the relationship. Keep in mind, physical violence typically escalates. Emotional and psychological abuse can also be very destructive and can also be difficult to properly identify. If you feel down, inferior, incompetent, or even crazy around your partner, that is definitely something to look at more closely. In any abusive situation, just know that staying means you will spend much of your time and energy trying to keep yourself safe and the relationship afloat.

Are you interested in addressing your life challenges from a holistic standpoint, assessing the physical, emotional, and relationship components?

For a free copy of my ebook, "Natural Methods To Fight Depression", click here: http://www.stoptoxicrelationships.com/gifts-naturalmethodstofightdepression.html

Shannon Cook is a personal growth and relationship expert who has written a number of informative articles and ebooks on the topic of toxic relationships and holistic personal growth, including physical, emotional and relationship health.