Are you at a crossroads in your dating relationship, wondering if it’s time to take a step back and reevaluate where you stand with your boyfriend/girlfriend? Maybe something feels off and you can’t figure out the cause. Fortunately, we can turn to the Bible for guidance on matters of the heart. Here are ten signs that it’s time to end a relationship:
1. Mixed messages
If you find yourself receiving inconsistent and unpredictable messages from your boyfriend/girlfriend, it might be time to reassess. We should seek clarity and honesty in our relationships.
2. Boundaries are pushed
God calls us to honor our bodies and maintain emotional purity (1 Corinthians 6:19-20). If your boyfriend/girlfriend pushes emotional or physical boundaries that make you uncomfortable or compromise your values, it’s a sign that your relationship needs closer examination.
3. You’re growing apart
In any relationship, it’s natural for people to evolve and grow. However, if you sense that your relationship is fizzling out and you’re growing apart, it’s important to evaluate what you want your relationship to look like, and if your relationship currently aligns with that.
4. Refusal to seek help
God calls us to seeks counsel and wisdom from others (Proverbs 11:14). If your boyfriend/girlfriend refuses to seek help when needed, especially during difficult times, it may indicate a lack of willingness to work through challenges together.
5. Emotional manipulation
Love should be based on mutual respect and kindness. If your boyfriend/girlfriend is emotionally manipulative or engages in controlling behavior, it’s time to call it quits.
If conflict escalates into physical violence or you fear for your safety, please contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline.
6. Misaligned values
The Bible encourages us to be on the same page with our partners (2 Corinthians 6:14). If your goals and values vastly differ from your significant other’s, it may be a sign that your paths are no longer aligned.
7. Feeling worse, not better
A healthy relationship should bring joy and peace into your life. If you consistently leave encounters with your boyfriend/girlfriend feeling worse rather than better, it’s worth examining whether this relationship is a part of God’s plan for you.
8. Lack of prioritization
God should be at the center of your relationship. If your significant other fails to prioritize your relationship and your shared faith, it may be time to reconsider the future of your relationship.
9. Constant conflict
Disagreements are natural, but constant fighting can take a toll on your emotional well-being. The Bible advises us to live in harmony with one another (Romans 12:16), and if your relationship is marked by non-stop conflict, it’s time to reassess.
10. Persistent thoughts of breaking up
If you find yourself constantly wrestling with the question “Should I break up with them?” it’s time to seek guidance from God and trusted people who can provide wisdom. Proverbs 3:5-6 tells us to “trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding.”
Remember, God's plan for your life includes relationships that bring you closer to him and help you grow in faith and love. When navigating a breakup, be sure to include God in the conversation and seek his wisdom for the steps you should take.
For more resources on dating and healthy relationships, check out: