The Greatest Love Lesson I Ever Learned Is Knowing When To Walk Away | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Swoon

The Greatest Love Lesson I Ever Learned Is Knowing When To Walk Away

If your gut feels off about something, listen to it — trust it.

4113
The Greatest Love Lesson I Ever Learned Is Knowing When To Walk Away

My mom taught me many things over the years ranging from how to curl my hair, do my makeup, cook, rollerblade, and ice skate, to how to stand up for myself.

But one of the greatest lessons my mom ever taught me was knowing when to walk away from something, whether that something is a class, job, friendship, or relationship. Her words are engrained in my head.

"Leave the table when love is no longer being served."

One problem I've had with past friendships and even relationships is that I put in more than I received.

During college, I found myself in a "situationship" with this guy who refused to put in any effort. What made the situation even more complicated were the feelings involved on my end. While I enjoyed being with this person, we weren't making any progress, and I felt I kept putting my personal preferences on pause. This person meant a lot to me, but I felt as though I wasn't getting anything in return.

Even though I knew in my heart there wouldn't be any future, I struggled to end it, even with my mom's words ringing in my head, thinking, "is it time to walk away?"

Although all relationships take work, when and how do we know if they are actually worth the work? Admitting a relationship is over is a challenge in and of itself, let alone the pain and anguish that comes with moving on and dealing with the change. However, sometimes starting over is the best thing to do for your emotional health — many variables factor into dealing with ending a relationship. Maybe the magic faded away, or you and your partner are letting small fights dictate the way you approach things, maybe you don't love them, or they don't love you.
If your gut feels off about something, listen to it — trust it. Don't ignore warning signs or dismiss true problems because of fear of comments you may get from other people.
Acknowledge that even if you end a relationship, it wasn't a "waste of time." Think about all you learned about yourself, your personal growth, what you now know you want out of a relationship. I learned more about what I do and don't want thanks to my college love life experience. And remember, just because someone isn't sharing their relationship struggles doesn't mean they don't exist. Never judge a relationship because you don't know what happens behind closed doors.
*Remember: October is National Domestic Violence Awareness Month. If you're in a relationship that is putting you in danger, ask for help or call 1-800-799-7233 for support.
Follow Swoon on Instagram.
Report this Content
Entertainment

Every Girl Needs To Listen To 'She Used To Be Mine' By Sara Bareilles

These powerful lyrics remind us how much good is inside each of us and that sometimes we are too blinded by our imperfections to see the other side of the coin, to see all of that good.

132821
Every Girl Needs To Listen To 'She Used To Be Mine' By Sara Bareilles

The song was sent to me late in the middle of the night. I was still awake enough to plug in my headphones and listen to it immediately. I always did this when my best friend sent me songs, never wasting a moment. She had sent a message with this one too, telling me it reminded her so much of both of us and what we have each been through in the past couple of months.

Keep Reading...Show less
Zodiac wheel with signs and symbols surrounding a central sun against a starry sky.

What's your sign? It's one of the first questions some of us are asked when approached by someone in a bar, at a party or even when having lunch with some of our friends. Astrology, for centuries, has been one of the largest phenomenons out there. There's a reason why many magazines and newspapers have a horoscope page, and there's also a reason why almost every bookstore or library has a section dedicated completely to astrology. Many of us could just be curious about why some of us act differently than others and whom we will get along with best, and others may just want to see if their sign does, in fact, match their personality.

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

20 Song Lyrics To Put A Spring Into Your Instagram Captions

"On an island in the sun, We'll be playing and having fun"

30839
Person in front of neon musical instruments; glowing red and white lights.
Photo by Spencer Imbrock on Unsplash

Whenever I post a picture to Instagram, it takes me so long to come up with a caption. I want to be funny, clever, cute and direct all at the same time. It can be frustrating! So I just look for some online. I really like to find a song lyric that goes with my picture, I just feel like it gives the picture a certain vibe.

Here's a list of song lyrics that can go with any picture you want to post!

Keep Reading...Show less
Chalk drawing of scales weighing "good" and "bad" on a blackboard.
WP content

Being a good person does not depend on your religion or status in life, your race or skin color, political views or culture. It depends on how good you treat others.

We are all born to do something great. Whether that be to grow up and become a doctor and save the lives of thousands of people, run a marathon, win the Noble Peace Prize, or be the greatest mother or father for your own future children one day. Regardless, we are all born with a purpose. But in between birth and death lies a path that life paves for us; a path that we must fill with something that gives our lives meaning.

Keep Reading...Show less
Health and Wellness

10 Hygiene Tips For All College Athletes

College athletes, it's time we talk about sports hygiene.

28354
Woman doing pull-ups on bars with sun shining behind her.

I got a request to talk about college athletes hygiene so here it is.

College athletes, I get it, you are busy! From class, to morning workouts, to study table, to practice, and more. But that does not excuse the fact that your hygiene comes first! Here are some tips when it comes to taking care of your self.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments