"Should I give up on Him and move on?"
Dating and Relationships are tough.
You've been dating or seeing this guy for a while and things just aren't going anywhere. It seems like they're going backward.
He's always busy, he never has time for you, and when he is around he's not present. It starts making you upset, and you can't help but wonder if you should give up on him and move on.
The thing is - if you are already questioning it, it's likely time to let go. It might be hard, and you may still have feelings for him, but if things aren't working out then it could be an indication that this isn't the right fit right for you.
I know sometimes it can be hard, especially when we feel we love and care about someone, but it's important to try and be honest with yourself about the relationship.
From experience, if you already feel the need to search this up - your gut feeling is already telling you something is wrong.
Listen to it - because it will save you a lot of pain & heartbreak in the long run.
Here are the 30+ signs you should give up on him & live your best life.
1) You Keep Hoping He'll Change
When you feel like a relationship isn't going anywhere, it can be easy to cling to the hope that things will eventually change and get better. You might keep telling yourself that he's just going through a rough patch or is busy with work, but deep down you know there's something more to it than that.
If your gut feeling is telling you things won't improve, then it’s probably time to accept the reality of the situation and move on.
2) You Feel like He's Emotionally Draining You
"He never has time to listen when I need him"
"It feels like he's not present even when we are together."
"I don't feel supported by him"
If these statements sound familiar to you, then it might be time to break things off. If he's not able to support you emotionally or pay attention when you need him, it's not the right fit for you.
Relationships are supposed to be adding emotional fulfillment to our lives, not drain us.
3) A Situationship is not Something You're Looking For
Situationships are common in modern dating. They suck, but they're a reality. If you've been seeing someone for a while, but nothing has become official, it might be time to face the fact that you're stuck in a situationship. We have an entire article on what is a situationship and how to move on from one that you can read here.
4) You get Anxious
Anxiety is a normal part of life, and it’s something that everyone experiences at one point or another. But when it starts to become overwhelming and affects your day-to-day functioning, it can be very difficult to manage.
If you find yourself getting anxious over your relationship more often than not, then it might be time to take action and look for ways to reduce that stress in your life.
Getting rid of people who are toxic to you and your mental health is one the best things you can do. Remember that letting go of people who no longer serve you is a huge form of self-care, and should be a priority in your life.
5) You Feel like He only Likes you For your Body
It's never a good feeling when you start to suspect that someone is only interested in you for your body. It can make you feel used, objectified, and like nothing more than an object of desire, this happens all too often with relationships or dating situations today.
You might think everything is going well until one day you realize he's not listening to what you have to say or showing any real interest in who are as a person - just the physical aspects of your relationship. It can be hard to accept that someone isn't interested in getting close to the real 'you', but we must recognize it when it happens so we don't waste our time on people who aren't worth it.
6) Your Family/Friends Have Said you Deserve Better
Our friends and family can oftentimes see things in our relationship that we can't. And sometimes, when they can see that we're not getting our needs met in a relationship, they will step in to tell us it's time to move on.
If your family & friends have been vocal about their concerns for you and the way he's treating you, then this is a sign that it might be time to reevaluate things.
Don't get defensive when they're trying to tell you something you don't want to hear.
Try to understand where they're coming from and be open to the possibility that you need to make a change in your relationship.
7) You Feel Clingy
It's normal to want to be close to someone you love, but it can become a problem if one person in the relationship feels like they're clinging too much. If you find yourself feeling desperate for his attention and affection all the time, this is a sign that it may be time to take some distance to gain some clarity on the situation.
Learning how to be independent is an important part of loving relationships, so if you don't feel like he's giving you enough space then it might be wise to permit yourself to step away from the situation, even temporarily.
This will help you get a better perspective on things and work out what truly makes you happy.
8) He Doesn't Listen When You're Upset
One of the most important parts of a relationship is being able to talk and listen to each other's feelings. If you find yourself constantly trying to explain your emotions and not getting the validation or understanding that you need, it may be time to move on.
No one should ever feel like their feelings are being ignored, and if he can't or won't make an effort to understand what you're going through then it might be best for both of you if you end things. It's okay to want someone who will take the time to listen, care and comfort you when things get tough - don't settle for less than that.
9) You Feel Alone
Feeling alone in a relationship is never a good sign. If you feel like he's not making any effort to keep the connection alive or make time for you, it's not right.
You need someone who will make an effort to be there for you and make sure that your needs are being met.
10) You Don't Feel like You're a Priority
If you find yourself feeling like the relationship is one-sided and he's putting himself first all the time, there's no point in having this person in your life if you feel like he's constantly disappointing you.
We all have incredibly busy lives, and it's not realistic to expect someone to put us first all the time, but we should feel like our partner will make an effort to prioritize us and make sure that we're both happy.
11) He Talks to Other Girls
It's natural to feel a bit jealous if your partner is talking to other girls, especially if it's happening on an ongoing basis. However, it's important to remember that your partner may just be engaging in casual conversation.
Of course, if you are feeling ignored or neglected due to the amount of time spent with other women, then that's different. If you see him constantly hiding his phone or checking it all the time, then this could also be a sign that something is off.
12) You Can't Count on Him
Every relationship needs trust and reliability, so if you don't feel like your partner is a source of stability in your life then he may not be the right one for you.
Having someone who will always be there for us during hard times is important, so if your partner isn't providing that kind of support then it's probably best to look at that support within yourself before you start looking at other guys to fill that void for you.
13) You Feel like You're Settling
I've always heard of this saying that before you meet a guy have a checklist of all the things you would like in a guy and all the dealbreakers.
They say this is a good exercise because when we are infatuated with someone, we ignore every red flag we didn't want in a guy.
If you find yourself constantly making excuses or excusing his behavior, it may be time to let go and start looking for someone who meets your criteria and makes you happy.
The right person who doesn't make you question anything is out there - and stick to your standards, because someone will meet them.
14) Your Gut Feeling is Telling you Something is Off
Trust your gut instinct - after all, it usually knows what's best for us in the end. Don't be afraid to end things if it doesn't feel right - sometimes taking time away is the best thing we can do for ourselves.
It's okay to put yourself first and take some time to think things through before making any rash decisions.
15) You Keep Repeating Yourself with things that Bother You and it's not Changing
You shouldn't have to constantly repeat yourself to the right guy. If there are issues that bother you and your partner isn't willing to make any changes, then it may be time to move on. Saying the same things over and over again won't get you anywhere; if he loves you, then he'll make an effort to address them. If not, then it's time for a change.
16) He's Manipulating You
No one should ever have to be manipulated in a relationship. If your partner is using guilt trips or other tactics to get you to do something, then it's important to take a step back and think about what kind of person he is.
We have an entire article on early signs of a controlling man if you feel like you're controlled and manipulated.
Manipulation is never okay; it's draining and can leave us feeling exhausted and taken advantage of. If this behavior happens often, just know that it is not normal and you deserve better.
17) If You're Confused - It's a No.
Plain and simple. If you're confused and can't decide whether or not this is the right person for you, then it's probably time to move on.
You're supposed to feel safe and at peace - not confused and unsure. It's a no, sometimes we have to look at the clear signs for what they are, and move on.
18) You've Put more Time into the Relationship than He Has
You should never be in a situation where you feel like you have to put more effort into a relationship than a man.
If you feel like he's not contributing enough and that the relationship is mostly unbalanced, then it might be time to start looking for someone who will appreciate your efforts.
Relationships are a two-way street - if one person isn't putting in just as much effort, then it's probably better to move on. Don't waste your time with someone who doesn't value your presence.
19) You want different things out of Life
For a relationship to work, both of you need to be on the same page. If your partner's goals in life don't align with yours and you can't seem to find common ground, then it may be best to end things amicably.
It's always important to make sure that you're going after what YOU want in life - not what someone else wants for you.
You are the author of your own story - don't neglect your dreams and goals over someone whose gut feeling tells you it's not worth it. Go chase after them - and trust that the man of your dreams will come to you when he's supposed to.
20) No Matter How Much You Try to Fix it - It's not getting better
If you feel like you've done everything in your power to make the relationship work and it's still not getting better, then there's no point in trying to fix something that isn't meant to be.
Sometimes we have to accept that things don't always turn out the way we want them to - and walk away with dignity. Know when it's time to let go for both of your sakes.
21) He Only Cares About Himself
Loving someone is about making sacrifices for each other - not always about taking and never giving back. If your partner is only interested in himself and has no regard for what you want or need, then you deserve better,
No one should ever feel like they're always sacrificing their own needs in a relationship - that's not healthy or sustainable. There must be a balance between the two of you if it's going to work out long-term.
22) You're Afraid of Letting the Relationship Go
It's normal to have fears when it's time to let go of a relationship - but the truth is that if you're not happy and fulfilled in your partnership, then it might be time to put an end to it.
You should never be afraid of taking a step back and evaluating what you need and want out of life; sometimes these decisions can be hard ones, but they will ultimately lead you on the right path.
23) You Don't Feel like Yourself Anymore
If being in this relationship has caused you to become someone that you don't recognize or admire, then maybe it's time for a change. It's always important to focus on who YOU are and keep your own identity alive, even in a relationship.
When we are happy with ourselves and our lives, it can be easier to recognize when something simply isn't right for us. If you don't feel like yourself anymore, then trust your gut and give up on him.
Sometimes as we grow older, our goals and perspectives change - and that means that the relationships in our lives can change with them. If you feel like you've outgrown your current partner
24) It's not Making you Happy
This is perhaps one of the most important signs to pay attention to - if you're not happy in your relationship, then it may be time to end things.
Don't be afraid to take a step back and re-evaluate what brings you happiness - and embrace it with both hands.
25) He's Keeping you From the Next guy
Don't ever let anyone hold you back from finding the man of your dreams - trust that the right person will come when the timing is right with the standards that you want.
If your current partner is preventing you from finding the right man or living the life that you want, then it might be time to give up on him and focus on yourself.
26) You've Outgrown Him
Sometimes as we grow older, our goals and perspectives change - and that means that the relationships in our lives can change with them. If you feel like you've outgrown your current partner - you feel like you're ready for something more, or you're not being supported in the areas that matter most to you - then it may be time to move on.
It's never easy to give up on someone you love, but if it feels like it's holding you back from the life and love that you want, don't let fear keep you stuck in a situation that isn't working for you. Life is too short to settle - so take the leap of faith and believe in what's waiting for you on the other side.
27) You Reflect on your Past Relationships a Little too Much
If you find yourself constantly thinking about past relationships, then it might be a sign that you're not fully committed to the one you have now.
Being focused on the future is important in any relationship, so if thoughts of exes or old flames keep creeping up, it's time to take a hard look at what's going on and decide if this is something worth fighting for or if you should give up on him.
28) You're not Communicating Properly
When we feel like there's no point in sharing what we are feeling we stay quiet and don't say anything.
This can lead to a lack of communication which can be fatal in any relationship. It's important to make sure that you're both on the same page and communicating openly and honestly with each other, even if it means facing some difficult conversations.
If you feel like your partner isn't willing to listen or take the time to hear your thoughts and feelings, it's a sign you don't feel you're in a safe space to be open about how you feel.
29) You Feel Bad for How Much Time You've Invested
There's nothing wrong with feeling bad about how much time and effort you've put into a relationship - it's only natural to feel like your efforts have been wasted. But if that feeling is preventing you from making the best decision for yourself, then it's time to push those feelings aside and focus on what will make you happy in the long run.
It might be hard to accept at first, but there comes a point when we need to let go of what isn't working anymore and take the next step forward.
And if that means leaving behind a relationship that has consumed so much of our energy, then trust that it's because better and bigger things are coming your way.
30) You Keep Making Excuses for Him
We all make excuses for our partners when they do something wrong, but if you find yourself constantly making excuses - like blaming it on stress or a bad mood instead of taking responsibility for their actions - then it could be a sign that you're not in a healthy relationship and you should give up on him.
Take the time to assess your situation and how much you're willing to accept going forward.
31) You Realize You're Better Alone
Sometimes it takes being alone to realize what we truly deserve. If you find yourself questioning if your partner is right for you, sometimes the only way to answer that question is to break up and give yourself some space and time away from them.
During this time, take a look at how you feel when you're not around your partner - do you feel more relaxed and motivated? Are your goals clearer now? Now ask yourself if these feelings are worth giving up on the relationship.
Remember that there's no right or wrong answer here - only what feels right for you. So be honest with yourself and trust that whatever decision you make will lead to bigger and better things.
What To Do When You Feel Like You Should Give Up on Him
Communicate: Talk to your partner openly and honestly about how you feel, and listen to their perspective.
Take a Break: If things are getting too intense, it might be a good idea to take a break from each other for a while. This can help you gain clarity on the situation.
Self Care: Make sure that you are also taking time for yourself and caring for your own needs as well.
Focus on the Future: Ask yourself what would make you happy and focus on that instead of dwelling on the past.
Trust Yourself: At the end of the day, trust that whatever decision you make will lead to bigger and better things in life - so don't let fear keep you stuck in something that isn't working anymore.
Actions speak louder than words: Pay attention to how your partner acts and not just what they say. This can be an important indicator of whether or not a relationship is healthy.
Stop blaming yourself: Remember that it takes two people to make a relationship work, so don’t take the blame for something that isn’t right.
Be kind to yourself: No matter what decision you make, remember that you are worthy of love and respect. Don't be too hard on yourself - this is just part of the journey.
If he wanted to he would: Keep in mind that if your partner wanted to be with you, he would make an effort and demonstrate it. If you can't see any efforts from him then it may be time to move on.
No relationship is perfect: Accept that no relationship is perfect and sometimes things don’t work out the way we plan them to. That's ok - it just means that something better is waiting for you.
Be a boss b*tch: No matter what decision you make in your relationship, don't forget to stay true to yourself and stand up for what you believe in. You have the power to choose the path that's best for you - so be a boss b*tch and own it. Don't settle for anything less than what you deserve - keep pushing forward until you reach your goals and find happiness! It might not be easy, but it will be worth it in the end. Take care of yourself and never forget your self-worth!
Bottom Line
I know as women we look at the word "giving up" and feel like we have failed at something. But sometimes, giving up is the best thing that you can do for yourself. It's important to remember that no matter what decision you make, it doesn't define who you are - it just means that something better is out there waiting for you.
So don't let fear keep you stuck in a situation that isn't working anymore. Trust your instincts and be brave enough to go after what makes you happy!
Life can be tough, but never forget that you're stronger than anything it throws at you. You've got this!