Getting through to Anybody: When to Call it Quits

How do you know when it's time to get out of your relationship?

1. You can't stand the sight of them and they make your skin crawl.
2. You are afraid of them.
3. Friends keep telling you to get out.
4. They are mean to the children.
5. The children are afraid of them.
6. You can't remember anything good about them.
7. You no longer enjoy anything with them or look forward to doing anything with them.
8. They come in the door and your heart sinks.
9. You don't want to go out with them with friends or family because they are too embarrassing.
10. They keep making promises they don't keep.
11. You're no longer proud of them.
12. Quirks you originally found amusing are now embarrassing to you.

Bonus hint: They keep violating the restraining order you have on them.

There's good and bad news about this list: The good news, you're not alone if this applies to your relationship and there probably are people who would want to help you make the break when you decide to do it. The bad news for you – if any of the list applies, it is probably not going to get any better by itself.
 


Mark Goulston, M.D., is a well-known psychiatrist, speaker, business trainer and coach as well as author of "Get Out of Your Own Way at Work."  He writes a regular column, "Getting through to Anybody," for divorce360. He can be reached at mgoulston@markgoulston.com.