Breaking up is hard to do. But it doesn't have to be a bad thing. Sometimes in fact - if you're in a toxic relationship - it's exactly what you need to do. The challenge with any breakup is learning how to move on, so you can get on with your (love) life. But how? Here's how - 5 positives that come from leaving a toxic relationship behind:
  1. Living (and loving) is learning:  in life & in love, nothing stays the same forever. Even healthy relationships are like flowers - they need constant attention (and sunlight too).  Look at a failed relationship for what it is: an invaluable lesson in what you're not looking for; which will help guide you towards the future you - in a happy, healthy and loving relationship.
  2. You become more resilient:  a traumatic experience like a toxic relationship will change you, and you will feel totally broken for quite a while. But once the fog starts to lift, and you see it for what it really was, you fix yourself so you're indestructible.
  3. You can identify the red flags:  there are a number of red flags that someone isn't a good person to be around. It may be something obvious, such as rude behaviour, but a lot of the time the signs are pretty subtle. Looking back and gaining perspective on a damaging relationship helps you identify the traits that drew you towards that person in the first place.
  4. Dealing with difficult people gets easier:  realising your own boundaries in romantic relationships helps you out in other walks of life too. You'll be able to say "here's my line, do not cross it" to people in your family, friendship group, and even at work.
  5. Boundaries are healthy:  the more time that passes, the more you will realise how troubling the way you were treated was. Becoming very clear about your boundaries means you have a better idea of the kind of person you really are. You also know what you are willing to tolerate, and you will be better at realising who will and won't respect you.