By Chloe Laws
Relationships evolve, and sometimes, they reach a point where staying feels more draining than fulfilling. But how do you know when it’s time to walk away? We spoke to Dr. Ritz Birah, Founder of Reflect with Dr. Ritz, to break down the key signs that indicate a relationship may have run its course, and how to move forward with clarity and confidence.
Signs your relationship is over
Not every rough patch means a relationship is doomed. But according to Dr. Birah, “Deciding whether to leave a relationship is rarely black and white—it often unfolds itself through repeated misalignment. A key sign is when the space between you and your partner no longer feels safe for emotional vulnerability.” If you feel like you can’t be your authentic self in the relationship, or if your needs and boundaries are consistently dismissed, that’s worth paying attention to.
Another red flag? Conflict that never gets resolved. “Growth often happens in rupture and repair,” she explains. “But when conflict becomes cyclical without resolution, or when you feel unseen even in moments of peace, the relationship may no longer be serving you.” If every disagreement leads to the same unresolved issues, or if your attempts at connection feel one-sided, it may be time to evaluate whether the relationship is still healthy.
Emotional distance and unmet needs
Relationships thrive on emotional intimacy. If you and your partner feel more like distant roommates than romantic partners, it could signal deeper issues. “Am I being the version of myself I want to be in this relationship?” Dr. Birah encourages asking. If the answer is no, take a step back and assess whether you’re staying out of love or out of habit.
Feeling like you constantly have to negotiate your own needs to avoid conflict? That’s another sign things might be off. “Relationships should provide a foundation for growth, not a place where you lose yourself trying to make things work,” she adds. If staying means silencing parts of yourself or overriding your intuition, leaving isn’t about giving up – it’s about self-respect.
When hope for change keeps you stuck
One of the hardest parts of deciding to leave is the hope that things will improve. Maybe you keep telling yourself that your partner will change, that things will go back to how they were in the beginning. But if months, or years, have passed without real progress, it’s time for an honest reality check.
“If staying is causing you to live in hope that things will return to how they once were, then leaving isn’t about failure, it’s about choosing self-respect over stagnation,” explains Dr. Birah.
Growth in a relationship should happen together. If you’re the only one making adjustments, initiating conversations, or trying to solve problems, it’s okay to ask yourself whether this dynamic is sustainable long-term.
How to move on with confidence
Making the decision to leave isn’t easy, but staying in a relationship that no longer serves you can be even harder. The key is to focus on your own wellbeing. Surround yourself with people who uplift you. Engage in activities that bring you joy. And take the time to reconnect with yourself outside of the relationship.
Dr. Birah reminds us that leaving isn’t an ending, it’s a beginning. “Sometimes, moving on isn’t an ending, but the beginning of coming home to yourself.” Breaking up can be painful, but it also creates space for new opportunities, deeper self-awareness, and relationships that truly align with your needs and values.
Deciding whether to end a relationship is deeply personal, but if you feel emotionally disconnected, consistently unheard, or stuck in a cycle of unresolved conflict, it may be time to move forward. Trust yourself. Prioritize your happiness. The right relationship won’t require you to shrink yourself to make it work.