With the start of another new year… you know what comes along with that, NEW YEAR RESOLUTIONS!!  It’s time to clean house, and maybe that means with your relationships too!?  If you’ve been thinking that things with your boo just haven’t been right and, “I’m just going to stick this out through the holidays and see if anything changes,” or I just don’t want to be alone through all the fun parties, or hurt their feelings with a “Merry Christmas and now I’m dumping you” kind of breakup, well then now might be the best time!  SO here are some telltale signs, it just might be time to move on.  Because after all, dating is supposed to be a fun, enjoyable time in yours teens, where you get to know the other person and learn more about yourself!  I’m definitely not saying that everything’s always going to be great and there’s never going to be challenges or things to work through… but if you’re spending half the relationship ‘working on things,’ then maybe they’re a great person, but just not great for you!

Here is some advice from Holly Ashworth, a Teen Advice Expert, that it might be time to do some dumping.  See if any of these reasons for breaking up apply to you and your sweetie, and if they do, start thinking about taking some action.

1. You’ve Been Hurt in Any Way

This is the only reason for breaking up that’s totally unconditional. If your sweetie has been hurting you in any way – physically or emotionally – you must get out. Now. Seriously. If you’re not sure if what’s going on counts as abuse, check the signs.

2. You’re More Sad Than Happy

Relationships aren’t going to be all roses all the time, but they should bring a little joy to your life. If things are too frustrating or depressing and they’re not balanced out by any good moments, get out while you still can.

3. You’re Doing All the Work

If you’re the one who’s been making all the phone calls, planning all the dates and planting all the kisses, then you’re not getting what you need out of this relationship (namely: some love and appreciation in return for all your hard work). There’s a good chance your sweetie wants out but is too chicken to break up with you. Take the reins and do it yourself (as usual).

4. You’ve Been Cheated On

Once the trust is gone, there’s no good reason to stay in a relationship. Besides, you deserve better than someone who can’t keep it together enough to stay loyal to you.

5. You Can’t Stop Thinking About Your Ex

Maybe you didn’t give yourself enough time to get over your ex before dating again, or maybe you’ll never be that into your current cutie, regardless of the timing. Either way, it’s not fair to date somebody while you’re pining so hard for somebody else. Break up, and either try things again with your ex or hold off till you meet someone even better.

6. Your Friends and Family are Rallying Against Your Relationship

A lone friend who’s upset about your relationship might just be acting out of jealousy – but when all your friends are saying it, you should probably listen. They might be seeing something that you’re too blinded by love to see yourself. This isn’t a reason to break up right away, but at least talk to your friends and family and take their warnings seriously.

7. You’ve Cheated

If you cheat, it’s a sign that you’d rather be single. Don’t do your partner any favors by sticking it out. The sooner you break up, the less you’ll both get hurt in the long run.

8. You Just Feel Like It’s Time to Move On

You don’t need any real, concrete reasons to break up, as long as you feel it in your gut. Just explain to your partner that things have changed and that you want to be single again. It won’t be easy to do, but it’ll be a whole lot better than staying in a relationship long after it’s worth your while.

If you have any other questions, send us an email through our contact form and we’ll get back to you!