128. When it's time to walk away from a relationship

One of the hardest dilemmas we have to face is when it's time to walk away from someone you still love because you know the relationship isn’t right for you. We can often find ourselves stuck in a constant battle between knowing what is right, and what our heart wants us to do. In this episode we break down the five key signs its time to walk away, particularly for those of us in our 20s, and why these reasons matter the most, exploring ideas of: 

• Fatal Attraction Theory
• The biology behind our 'gut instinct' 
• The Reciprocity Principle 
• Equity Theory 
• Sunk costs 
• Expectant thinking 
• Fear of being lonely or of the unknown

We also explore why we find it so difficult, the reasons that hold us back, including as the stigma around being the one to initiate the breakup and feeling like a failure for your relationship not working out. 

You should not be with someone who is not adding to your life in your 20s. This is your time to be your own person, to prioritise exactly what is going to make YOU happy, not stay out of obligation or because of fear, family pressure or expectations. Is this the life you want, with this person? Are they making you the best version of yourself? Are they making you happy? Why don’t you deserve someone who does, even if it takes a while and is a bit scary. 

Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/ThePsychologyofyour20s 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thatpsychologypodcast/ 

Resources: 

https://www.whiteribbon.org.au/helplines/ 

https://www.helpguide.org/articles/abuse/domestic-violence-and-abuse.htm 

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