Break ups are never easy. However, there are times when it’s better to say goodbye to your partner than continue on in a relationship that just isn’t working.

Should you break up with your partner? While breaking up is a personal thing, here are some common relationship-ending situations.

© Cherie Burbach

Violence

If your partner is emotionally or physically abusive, you should make immediate arrangements to leave the relationship. After all, life is too precious to be battered, bullied, or hit. No matter the excuses your partner may make about his or her abusive behavior, rest assured in a healthy relationship violence of any type does not exist.

Financial Infidelity

When your partner lies about money and puts the two of you in unnecessary debt, it may be time to say goodbye. Financial infidelity is an increasingly difficult problem for couples, and is every bit as hurtful as a physical affair. If your partner doesn’t respect your relationship enough to care about your financial future, it may be time to seek counseling or even to break up.

Emotional Affair

It’s difficult to have a happy relationship after one partner has had an emotional affair. Before you accuse your partner of emotional cheating, become familiar with the signs of this type of infidelity. It is possible to move beyond an emotional affair, however, your partner must acknowledge their infidelity and make steps with you to improve your relationship. If he or she refuses, it may be time to say goodbye.

Cheating

There is not a great deal of gray area when it comes to the subject of physical cheating. Recognize the signs of a possible liaison and immediately confront your partner. Don’t turn your back or let the affair continue without trying to discuss the situation with your partner. Even if your partner confesses the affair and ends it, you may need to break up and move on to a trustworthier partner.

Different Relationship Goals

In order to make it for the long haul, couples must be on the same page when it comes to their future. Things like marriage, children, faith, and financial stability are important discussion points for any couple. If your life goals are different from your partners, it may be time to go your separate ways.

Not in Love

In today’s world, many couples stay together simply because they are afraid to be alone. If you’re unhappy with the way your partnership has progressed, take time to talk to your partner and access the situation. It’s never too late to start again if you find that the two of you aren’t right for each other.

No matter what the reason for breaking up with your partner, weigh the decision carefully. Remember that there is no shame in ending a relationship on good terms so you both can move on to someone better suited for you. Everyone deserves a chance to be happy.