When To End A Relationship With Someone You Love—Before It Gets Toxic

when to end a relationship when to breakup

It's never easy to move on from a partner. No matter how much time you spend together, opening yourself up to another person and sharing intimate moments with them connects you in an incredibly deep way. But if you're constantly fighting, or even if you're just growing in different directions, it's important for your mental and emotional health to know when to end a relationship.

When looking to break up with your partner, etiquette expert and author Sharon Schweitzer says to make sure you do it kindly. "Take the time to think about what you want to say, and create a plan to make this split as simple as possible.” Before you start cobwebbing your life or jumping on a new dating app, keep reading for everything you need to know about calling it quits.

When To End A Relationship

1. Your Relationship Is Imbalanced 

Image via Alex Green/Pexels

Everyone can be selfish, and it's important to give someone grace, especially when you love them. However, if your S.O. is consistently taking advantage of your kindness, refusing to respect your boundaries, or refusing to compromise on important issues, it could be a sign that it's time to part ways.

According to Gottman Institute Certified Therapist Zach Brittle, a breakup breaks down to what you both want and whether you're willing to give that to each other. “Ask yourself how your relationship affects you spiritually, emotionally and socially," Brittle tells us. "Are those effects positive?”

Relationships aren't just 50/50, they're 100/100 and you deserve to be treated with as much love and respect as you give to others.

2. Your Partner Is Far Away

Image via Liza Summer/Pexels

First, a disclaimer: long distance relationships aren't bad by themselves. In fact, they can have their perks! But we can't deny that it's difficult to be romantically involved with someone who lives far away from you. If you and your partner have gotten to a point where you're missing too much of each other's lives or you're in different areas indefinitely, it could be time to consider whether your lives are headed in the same direction.

3. You're Not On The Same Page

Image via John Diez/Pexels

If you've realized that you and your S.O. don't want the same things in life, then it's very important to consider whether you're actually working as a team. The situations will be different for every relationship — maybe you want kids and your partner doesn't, or your partner wants to move to a part of the world that you don't want to live in.

Big life changes definitely require sacrifice, but if neither of you are willing to change your mind, you might be dealing with an impending breakup that should be addressed. The last thing you want is to end up resenting each other.

4. Your Partner Is Toxic

Image via Anna Shvets/Pexels

"When a relationship is harming us more than it is helping us, we’re going to notice an impact in other areas of our life," LMFT, psychotherapist, and author of Toxic Positivity Whitney Goodman tells us about friendships, but the sentiment can definitely be applied to romantic relationships as well.

"You may not realize how much time you’re spending managing people’s emotions, walking on eggshells, and coordinating plans that you don’t actually enjoy. When we spend excessive time in these areas, we’re unable to focus on the other areas of our life that really matter."

If you're experiencing the effects of gaslighting or manipulation, check out sites like Love Is Respect for more information or to reach out to someone. If you're in an abusive relationship, please contact RAINN for specialized assistance.

The Aftermath: Dealing With The Effects Of Your Breakup

If You Broke Up With A Partner Your Family Loves: Dr. Carmen Harra and Alexandra Harra recommend keeping your explanations to a minimum. Your family and friends will definitely have questions, but you don't want to be confused, however good their intentions are. "The more you explain the details to others, the more they will bombard you with their advice and suggestions," Alexandra says. "This might confuse or upset you, and chances are that with a pending breakup, you’re already going through a tough time.”

If You Want To Get Back Together And Don't Know Why: According to a study from the Norwegian University of Science and Technology and the University of New Mexico, times of distress in a relationship can release oxytocin (the "love hormone"). Feeling those emotions can be confusing, but if you're considering getting back together, it's important to remember why you broke up in the first place before diving back in.

If You're Getting Over A Holiday Breakup: While it might make you feel like the holidays are bad, breaking up during this time of year can actually be a great time if you have a good support system. Being surrounded by friends and family can make it a little easier to handle, according to Julienne Derichs, a licensed couples counselor with Couples Counseling Today.

“When I work with clients that have gone through a breakup, we work toward the concept of: Be kind, be compassionate, show empathy," Derichs says. "Then lead your life and see who shows up."

Do you have any advice on when to end a relationship? Check out our email newsletter and our Relationships page for more advice on all the relationships in your life.

The 2025 Oscars were full of incredible red carpet outfits and fun moments (like Ariana Grande & Cynthia Erivo's Wicked opening medley!!), but before the iconic awards show aired, our favorite starts partied the night away...including Zoë Kravitz and Noah Centineo. This duo has been raising some eyebrows over the last few weeks and this marks the second party they've been spotted leaving together.

Here's what we know about those Zoë Kravitz and Noah Centineo dating rumors.

Zoë Kravitz and Noah Centineo partied the night away in Hollywood.

'Twas the night before the Oscars (or the morning of the Oscars depending on how you look at it), and Zoë Kravitz and Noah Centineo were seen leaving a pre-Oscars party together. DeuxMoi sources claim they hopped into a car around 2:20 in the morning on March 2.

While these two haven't taken their relationship official, leaving the same party together definitely has the internet talking — especially since this isn't the first time they've been spotted together recently! Zoë and Noah were also spotted leaving Danielle Haim's birthday party in New York City on February 15.

The parties come four months after Zoë Kravitz and ex-fiancé Channing Tatum called off their wedding. "The split is amicable," one source told People. "They realized they're at different stages in life."

“Ultimately once [Blink Twice] ended, they realized they were on different pages with what they wanted. It fizzled fast after their press tour wrapped," added an Us Weeklysource.

But Zoë has nothing but good things to say about Channing, telling Elle (after the premiere of their movie Blink Twice) that "I love this thing that we made together, and I care for him very much."

"He has so much more coming, and I think he's in a place as an actor where he's feeling really confident and people are seeing different sides of him," she adds, saying she's "excited for people to keep witnessing that."

What do you think about Zoë Kravitz and Noah Centineo hanging out this last few weeks? Read up on what happened when Glen Powell & Lily James Just Got Cozy In The Back Of A Car for more on another favorite maybe-couple!

If you're hunting for a new TV drama because you've already rewatched all of Brit + Co's best true crime documentaries, then don't you worry because Apple TV's new show is exactly the kind of thriller we've been waiting for — and it's perfect for true crime fans. But the best part is that Amy Adams is starring and executive producing! Here's everything we know about Cape Fear, coming to Apple TV+ soon...and The 10 Best True Crime-Inspired Books to hold you over until it premieres.

Keep reading for the latest news on Amy Adams' Cape Fear, coming to Apple TV+ soon.

Is there a Cape Fear remake coming out?

Amazon

Yes, we're getting a brand new Cape Fear, which is based on John D. MacDonald’s novel. This Apple TV show, which was greenlit in November 2024 and will have 10 episodes, will be led by Amy Adams, who will executive produce along costar Javier Bardem, Martin Scorsese, and Steven Spielberg. Nick Antosca will write.

The movie follows J. Lee Thompson's 1962 movie and Martin Scorsese's 1991 movie.

What is Cape Fear about?

Attorneys Amanda (Amy Adams) and Steve are happily married and enjoying their life together. But when a killer from their past, Max Cady (Javier Bardem), gets released from prison, his presence threatens the life they've built together.

Just like Only Murders in the Building is a comical, campy look at true crime, and Big Little Lies is a sensual, feminist approach to mystery, Cape Fear takes a Hitchcock angle (even though it's totally going to hold me over until Big Little Lies season 3). According to the official synopsis, it's "an examination of America’s obsession with true crime in the 21st century."

Who's in the Cape Fear cast?

Amy Sussman/Getty Images

Amy Adams and Javier Bardem star in Cape Fear as Amanda and Max, respectively. Stay tuned for the full cast list!

Is Cape Fear on Apple TV?

Universal

The new Cape Fear show is coming to Apple TV soon (check back here for the official Cape Fear release date), but you can watch both adaptations of the novel on the streamer now.

Figuring out what to stream is never easy. Read up on The 8 Best TV Shows On Paramount+ This Month for some great ideas!

Zoë Kravitz and Channing Tatum were one of 2023's most surprising couples, but something about them seemed refreshing. From the outside looking in, they were an attractive couple who made playing with puppies look like something we should all sign up for ASAP. Not to mention how they made working with your S.O. seem attractive when they shared BTS images of them working on thriller movie Blink Twice. And yet, their chemistry seemed to magically disappear when their engagement was called off shortly after the film's premiere.

Both have kept quiet about their breakup...until now. So let's talk about everything Zoë Kravitz revealed in her new interview with Elle.

Scroll to see what Zoë Kravitz said about her breakup with Channing Tatum!

John Phillips/Getty Images

Before she talked about their relationship, Zoë praised Channing's ability to morph into the villainous Slater King. "For Chan specifically, it was about how exciting it would be to see him do something so different and so surprising, and something that I knew he was so capable of," she told Elle.

Anyone who watched the movie knows exactly what she meant because all traces of the lovable Magic Mike, The Vow, and Dear John actor disappeared in every scene he was in. Though Slater King seemed charming, he had an underlying ominous presence that could be missed if you weren't pay attention.

Rodin Eckenroth/Getty Images

Still thinking of him fondly, Zoë revealed she doesn't feel weird about making a movie with her ex. She said, "I love this thing that we made together, and I care for him very much." She even loves hearing how much people enjoyed Channing's portrayal of a darker character in Blink Twice. She said she's "so happy that all of it happened" and that she's "so grateful" they were able to create something monumental.

Jeff Spicer/Getty Images for Warner Bros. Pictures

Based on Zoë's responses, we think she and Channing are far from bitter exes. It's a stretch, but we imagine that she smiled while discussing their relationship with Elle because her last remarks about the actor speaks volumes. "He has so much more coming, and I think he's in a place as an actor where he's feeling really confident and people are seeing different sides of him," she said before sharing how he has "a lot to offer." She's clear in how she views her ex-fiancé by admitting she's "excited for people to keep witnessing that."

We love when exes are cordial instead of toxic! Here's to these two having fulfilling next chapters in their separate lives!

Let us know how you feel about Zoë Kravitz thoughts about her breakup from Channing Tatum and follow us on Facebook!

Not only does Emily Henry's new novel Great Big Beautiful Life drop on April 22, but every single one of the author's already-published rom-coms is being adapted for the screen. Okay, that's majorly impressive! People We Meet On Vacation, starring Emily Bader and Tom Blyth, will be coming to Netflix soon, and considering Beach Read was the second adaptation announced, it looks like Emily's first rom-com could be our next film. And fans have been spiraling about who could play January and Gus even before the Emily Henry movie was confirmed.

Well there are two actors at the top of the rumor mill for the Beach Read movie — and I am crossing all my fingers and toes we see them in the beloved roles.

Here's everything we know about the Emily HenryBeach Read movie cast rumors.

Did the Beach Read movie already find its Gus and January?

Jeff Spicer/Frazer Harrison/Getty Images

When Paul Mescal and Ayo Edebiri started posting selfies together, fans immediately picked up on their chemistry — and started calling for the two actors to star in a rom-com together. "The Paul Mescal and Ayo Edebiri romcom is imminent," one X user tweeted.

And when Emily Henry reposted one of their selfies on her story? Fans of the author's first romance novel immediately fancast the two actors as Gus and January. And with their personalities, and the way they complement each other, there's literally no one else I could see playing these roles at the moment.

While Emily "can’t confirm or deny anything with casting for any movie," the author did admit that "they would be amazing. I actually saw them being discussed [online] for several different roles — and I definitely have a favorite. But it’s fun, because different adaptations would either have one of them playing to type, or one of those adaptations would have them both playing to type, and one of them would have them both playing against type. It’s an interesting thing. I mean, they’re great, they could do anything.”

Are Paul Mescal and Ayo Edebiri in a rom-com together?

Paul Mescal and Ayo Edebiri haven't officially joined a rom-com together, but after Paul told Awards Watch he wants to do a romance movie with Ayo in "the next five years," The Bear actress agreed she's game...on one condition.

"If somebody writes us a good script," she says. "It has to be in an About Time vibe. Something that’s got, like, a heart, so he can still flex his drama muscles where it’s like, the covert rom-com. Like, still a rom-com, but we got to get something inventive."

Is Beach Read going to be a movie?

Amazon

Yes, the Beach Read movie is coming soon! Writer-director Yulin Kuang told Brit + Co exclusively that she "really cares" about giving fans of the book a good experience.

"I truly believe that art belongs to the audience once it's out in the world," she says. "And so saying too much, it feels prescriptive, you know? So I hope they enjoy it. I hope that they know that a lot of care is going into the adaptations. I remember what it's like to be watching with anxious hearts about the announcements of all my favorite adaptations. And so that's the main thing. I hope they know that I really, really care."

Who do you want to see in the Beach Read cast? Drop your favorite fancasts on Facebook and check out how You Can Read A Part Of Emily Henry's Great Big Beautiful Life Right Now!

It's yet another week, bringing us to the halfway mark of March, the rejuvenating Spring Equinox, and Aries season! Every zodiac sign is in for their own unique experience, and I'm here to break it down for you. From Aries to Aquarius, here's what your sign can expect for the week ahead in your horoscope, according to the stars!

Scroll to see your zodiac sign's weekly horoscope for March 16-23!

Júlia Lafulla

The Sun enters Aries on March 20, marking the start of the astrological New Year. The Spring Equinox is a time of hope and renewal, as flowers break through the frozen ground and the days grow progressively longer. Embrace the promise of spring and consciously uplift your spirit in the week ahead.

The Sun forms several beneficial aspects with other planets this week, encouraging us to explore deeply, appreciate beauty, and live with purpose and meaning.

On March 19, the Sun and Neptune align in the final degrees of Pisces, offering an opportunity to connect with our higher selves, recognize the unity of all things, and experience unconditional love. This ethereal energy is fleeting yet lingers for a few days. On March 22, the Sun conjoins Venus, the planet of earthly love, helping us rise above petty disagreements and focus on expressing and receiving love.

Natalie Davis

In the midst of the Sun’s movements, Venus forms a beneficial sextile to Pluto on March 21. This is the time to deepen connections with loved ones. Seek and share experiences that strengthen and make sacred your relationships.

Two days later, the Sun sextiles Pluto, bringing heightened focus, ambition, and determination to create meaningful change. Be mindful of obsessive tendencies and use this powerful energy to break bad habits and establish beneficial ones.

For a deeper and more personalized look at how these and other transits affect you, visit SevenSistersAstrology.com for a Natal Reading.

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Read Your Sun & Rising Sign For Your Weekly Horoscope!

Aries (March 21 – April 19)

This is your time of year! Use the supportive aspects between the Sun, Neptune, Pluto, and Venus to begin the astrological New Year with love and cosmic abundance. Express your feelings through grand gestures and experience the uplifting energy of profound connections. Take time to communicate with loved ones and show them how much you value your relationships.

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Taurus (April 20 – May 20)

You will benefit greatly from introspection, meditation, or prayer. This spiritual influence can illuminate hidden aspects of your psyche if you are willing to face them honestly. Don’t just focus on perceived shortcomings; acknowledge how far you’ve come. Present yourself to the world with the confidence of an evolving soul.

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Gemini (May 21 – June 20)

This social week is perfect for group activities and communal experiences. You may find yourself idealizing a more harmonious, cooperative future. Act on your desires to nurture meaningful connections. Your friendships remind you that together, we accomplish more. Express your authentic self and engage in vibrant exchanges of ideas. Keep an open mind and a receptive heart.

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Cancer (June 21 – July 22)

Pay attention this week to clues about your place in the world. Reflect on your career path and self-expression. Seek guidance from mentors or respected figures. Engage in deep conversations, but stay grounded as you explore new perspectives. Channel your intensity into transforming the mundane into something sacred.

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Leo (July 23 – August 22)

This is a time for adventure and self-discovery. Be open to new experiences and unexpected opportunities. Release limiting beliefs and pursue your interests with passion and curiosity. Whether through travel, learning, or creativity, seek out experiences that inspire and elevate you. Approach life with boldness and a full heart.

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Virgo (August 23 – September 22)

Therapeutic and introspective work will be transformative this week. Whether through professional therapy or personal reflection, embrace any opportunity for growth. Change takes effort, but the rewards are profound. Establish order in your surroundings to create a calm and receptive mind. Let your home be a sanctuary that nurtures your well-being.

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Libra (September 23 – October 22)

This week calls for balance in your relationships. Practice compassion and empathy, but do not sacrifice your own needs to keep the peace. Assert yourself with confidence while respecting others. Seek mutual understanding and fairness. If single, focus on self-love and speak to yourself with the same kindness you offer others. Heal unresolved emotional wounds through honest conversations.

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Scorpio (October 23 – November 21)

Are you using your time wisely? Take stock of your daily routines and see where you can be more efficient. Avoid excessive screen time and unnecessary distractions. This is a great week to establish new habits that support your well-being. Welcome the changes that come with the arrival of spring and embrace personal growth.

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Sagittarius (November 22 – December 21)

Make joy a priority in your daily life. Be mindful of how you express yourself to others. While it’s important to stay realistic, avoid slipping into negativity. Your natural optimism is vital for your own peace of mind and can inspire those around you. Balance responsibilities with creativity and fun. Infuse your daily life with enthusiasm and find ways to uplift yourself and others.

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Capricorn (December 22 – January 19)

Your home is your sanctuary. Cultivate a peaceful environment and invite loved ones to share in your space. Strengthen your foundation with care and attention to your inner world. Reflect on what brings you comfort, and surround yourself with people and possessions that nurture your soul. Reflect on how your ancestors emerged from their struggles. Profound ancestral healing is available. Express gratitude for what you have and cherish the love that surrounds you.

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Aquarius (January 20 – February 18)

This week, focus on clear and intentional communication. Practice active listening and recognize that not everyone processes information as quickly as you do. You’ll have many great ideas—make sure to express them in ways that others can understand and appreciate. Be patient and strive to foster meaningful connections in your immediate environment.

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Pisces (February 19 – March 20)

As the Sun spends its last week in your sign, take this time to deepen your commitment to your values. Material possessions may hold increased significance. Reflect on your spending habits—are you using them to fill an emotional void? Your finances will be a key focus this week. Seek sound advice and examine how your relationship with money aligns with your long-term goals and sense of security.

For more insights on how these and other planetary transit impact you, visit SevenSistersAstrology.com for a personalized reading.

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