According to the American Psychological Association, “40 to 50 percent of married couples in the United States divorce.” In a time where we tend to discard things rather than repair them, are we doing the same with our relationships?
The statistics suggest so. As noted in a Huffington Post article, “More than 200 times the number of couples divorce today than a century ago, despite fewer people getting married.”
What does this say about our society? In my opinion, it reflects how our impulsiveness has diminished our ability to truly value our relationships.
Life moves too quickly these days, even our thoughts. We need to slow down, take a breath, and carefully consider what we want from our romantic relationships. Are they worth fighting for when challenges arise?
Every relationship is unique, every partner is different, and each person's experience is their own. If you're unsure where to begin, here are 10 general signs that might suggest staying is the right choice. Keep these in mind as you evaluate the pros and cons of your relationship.
# You've Invested a LotInvesting in a relationship is natural—it involves time, money, emotions, and more. For instance, if you were in a long-distance relationship and finally found a way to be together, it’s worth giving your relationship a chance. All that effort and sacrifice can't be for nothing. Similarly, if you have financial investments together, such as property or a business, it’s important to think carefully before walking away. The more you've invested, the more thoughtful your decision should be.
# You've Been Together for a Long TimeIf your relationship has been a long-term one, it’s worth pushing through the challenges. The time, energy, and love you’ve poured into it are not insignificant. Consider your partner’s feelings too—there’s nothing worse than seeing your efforts thrown away by someone you care about.
# You Have CommitmentsIf you’ve built a life together and share responsibilities, like children, it’s essential to consider staying. Children aren’t like furniture that can be divided or discarded—they need a stable, loving home to thrive. Other shared commitments, like pets or financial responsibilities, should also be part of the equation.
# You're Together for More Than Just Avoiding Loneliness
If you’re only with your partner because you’re afraid of being alone, that’s a red flag. But if your reasons for staying together go beyond loneliness, it’s a positive sign. A relationship should be about more than filling a void. If you can confidently list the meaningful reasons you’re with your partner, it's worth keeping the relationship alive.
# You Uplift Each OtherIf you're contemplating whether to stay or go, reflect on whether you and your partner bring out the best in each other. If negativity dominates your relationship, it may be time to move on. However, if you uplift one another, even in tough times, that’s a strong sign to keep going. Relationships aren’t always perfect, but if the positive moments outweigh the bad, you're onto something good.
# You Can Be YourselfIf you feel comfortable being your true self around your partner, that’s a significant indication you should stay together. In everyday life, we often hide aspects of ourselves, whether at work or in social settings. But if you can let your guard down with your partner and still be accepted and loved, it’s worth nurturing that relationship.
# You Still Laugh TogetherAs the American essayist Agnes Repplier once said, We cannot really love anyone with whom we never laugh. If you and your partner still share laughter and joy after all this time, it's a clear sign that the relationship is worth keeping. Cherish those light-hearted moments and push through the difficulties together.
# You Can’t Imagine Life Without Your PartnerThere may be times when you've thought about leaving your partner, especially during rough patches. But if, deep down, you can’t imagine life without them and your life has improved with them in it, that's a powerful reason to stay. Even with occasional disagreements, the happiness, laughter, and love you share can outweigh the challenges.
# There Is Honesty and TrustHonesty and trust are the foundations of any strong relationship. If both of you value these traits and have built your relationship on them, it’s worth holding on to. However, if only one of you values honesty and trust, it’s unlikely the relationship will survive in the long run.
# There’s Still ChemistryIf you still feel attracted to your partner after being together for a long time, that’s a good sign. Not many couples can maintain the passion, but if you two have, it’s worth giving the relationship another chance. Sometimes all it takes is rekindling that spark to remind you how great things can be.