It's drilled into our brains that giving up is a bad thing. When something doesn't work out, we keep trying until we find a way to make it work. We're taught that "when life gives you lemons, make lemonade" is the attitude we should have on every aspect of life. But here's the thing: giving up doesn't mean you lose.

Why do we think giving up is a bad thing? If you're anything like me, you'll insist on trying the same thing over and over again, despite repeated failure, just to see if you can "make it work" or "finally figure it out." But there's a difference between giving up and realizing that you've had enough.

Realizing that you've had enough can be a horrible feeling, but it can be a great thing. What's the point of putting yourself through the same thing over and over again just to be disappointed? I often find myself struggling to give up and walk away from bad relationships because I feel like giving up is a bad thing. I stick with liars and cheaters because in the back of my mind I tell myself that me giving up on this is admitting to defeat. Why? Maybe because I hope that I can change them, make them a better person, or some other excuse.

But giving up can be a good thing. Giving up on someone who constantly puts you down, cheats on you, or gives you anything less than the best is not a bad thing. It means that you realize that you aren't going to waste your time on someone who doesn't deserve it. Giving up on someone who is selfish or who disappoints you time and time again means that you are smart enough to realize what you don't want. One day there will be someone who won't cheat on you, lie to you, put you down over and over again, or make you feel like anything less than the best... giving up on those who don't do this will lead you to the person who does.

So don't be scared of giving up. Don't be scared of walking away. It might be the best thing you've ever done for yourself.