When To Give Up On A Girl: How To Recognize When A Relationship Isn't Working

Medically reviewed by April Justice, LICSW
Updated October 14, 2024by BetterHelp Editorial Team

If you're interested in or in a relationship with a girl and aren't sure whether to continue, it may be beneficial to re-evaluate your connection. Giving up on any kind of relationship can be challenging and painful, but it may be the healthiest option in some instances. You might find it useful to spend time considering the following tips and information when facing this type of life situation.

Ilona Titova/EyeEm
Considering when it may be time to move on from your relationship?

Wondering when to give up on a girl?

Recognizing when a relationship isn't working can be complicated, difficult, and confusing, especially if you are invested in it and/or love the person. That said, it’s usually best, in the long run, to be honest with yourself and assess whether the connection fulfills your needs and can be healthy over the longer term.

Below are a few signs you should give some careful thought to whether moving on from this person and/or relationship might be the best option for you.

Signs you might benefit from moving on 

You feel unhappy most of the time 

If you consistently feel unhappy or unfulfilled in the relationship, it could be one of the potential signs your emotional needs aren't being met. Note, however, that having your feelings change or evolve after a certain period in a relationship isn’t necessarily a sign that things are wrong. It’s natural to progress through the stages of love in a romantic relationship and for feelings of passion and excitement to fade into calm, steady affection and love, for instance. Figuring out whether your key needs are met and trying to pinpoint what you feel and why could help you tell the difference.

You have deeply different values 

Finding common ground and building a fulfilling relationship could be challenging if you and your partner have different key values or long-term goals. For example, if one of you wants children someday and the other doesn’t, that’s a key incompatibility. Similarly, if you find yourself deeply disagreeing with their choices or opinions on a fundamental moral level, you may realize it’s time to give up on this connection.

There's a lack of communication 

One 2018 study on marital relationships suggests that commitment, communication, and relationship satisfaction tend to be correlated with each other. If you don’t feel that your thoughts and feelings are welcomed or accepted via open communication in this relationship, it may not be healthy. Similarly, if you’ve noticed that your partner isn’t able to communicate with you about their emotions and needs, it could create conflict. Working with a relationship coach or couples counselor could be one way to try and improve communication, as could researching communication strategies on social media or online.  

You feel unsupported or unappreciated 

If your partner is not supportive of your goals, doesn't make an effort to see the real you, or doesn't show up when you need them, it could represent one of the signs it’s time to move on. Most people today are looking for romantic relationships that are equal partnerships where both people appreciate and look out for one another. If you’re feeling like things are always one-sided, it may be that it’s time to reconsider the relationship.

You're making constant compromises 

Relationships can require compromises at times. After all, two people won’t have the exact same desires and needs at every moment of the relationship. However, if you’re constantly sacrificing your own needs and wants for the sake of the relationship and your partner rarely or never does, there may be a fundamental issue with the way you relate to each other—which could indicate that it’s time to give up or focus on concrete solutions.

Getty

You feel disrespected

If you feel your partner is not treating you with the respect and kindness you deserve, you might be in an unhealthy relationship. Looking out for signs of abuse could help you see if it may be time to leave a relationship for your safety and well-being.

If you are facing or witnessing abuse of any kind, the National Domestic Violence Hotline is available 24/7 for support. Call 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) or text "START" to 88788. You can also use the online chat

There's a lack of trust 

Consider whether you trust your partner and feel that they can trust you. Has dishonesty occurred repeatedly in your relationship? If the person you love is not able to be honest with you or if you don't trust her with your emotions and vulnerability, it may be a sign that it’s time to consider letting go. 

Should I move on from my relationship? 

If you’re experiencing any of the above signs it’s not working in your relationship—especially if you’re experiencing several—you might consider taking a step back to determine whether this connection fulfills your needs, is healthy, and brings you happiness. While it may be challenging to confront the possibility of ending a relationship, accepting that this may sometimes be the best-case scenario for your own mental and emotional health can be useful. 

If you are having trouble sorting through your feelings or deciding whether to give up on a girl, seeking professional therapy may help you find clarity and peace of mind. If you've decided to stay in your relationship but need tools to create change together, you might also benefit from couples therapy. This type of support can give you and your partner the chance to talk with a trained professional who can offer guidance. 

Counseling options for individuals and couples 

Whether you're looking for individual or couples therapy, you can generally choose between an in-person and online therapist. Online therapy can be effective for those who want to attend therapy with their partner from separate locations or who would prefer to engage from the comfort of their own home environment. With online therapy through a platform like BetterHelp for individuals or Regain for couples, you can seek the guidance of a licensed therapist from anywhere you have an internet connection.

Getty
Considering when it may be time to move on from your relationship?

Research suggests that online therapy can be as effective as in-person sessions in many cases, so you can generally feel confident in choosing whichever format you prefer. 

Takeaway

Considering giving up on a girl and ending a relationship or connection can be a big deal, and there are often many factors to consider. Analyzing your relationship and how it makes you feel from several angles can be a good first step toward deciding what to do. If you’re looking for additional support in this process or with another element of your love life, meeting with a therapist—either individually or with your partner—may be useful.
Build healthy relationship habits with a professional
The information on this page is not intended to be a substitution for diagnosis, treatment, or informed professional advice. You should not take any action or avoid taking any action without consulting with a qualified mental health professional. For more information, please read our terms of use.
Get the support you need from one of our therapistsGet started