The end of a relationship is always difficult, but it’s even more upsetting when you start to notice that most of your relationships tend to have the same problems or end because of the same issues. Whether it’s your choice in men or something else, it’s time to make a change for the better.
Find out how to break the cycle of bad relationships by taking a few important steps towards discovering the core of the issue and making better choices. No matter what the common issue is with all your failed relationships, here’s what you need to do in order to move on to a better one.
Take Responsibility
If it’s always his fault, you won’t make a lot of progress and find a relationship that makes you happier. Start by taking responsibility for your mistakes. At the very least, you’re choosing the wrong guys and ignoring red flags. Without taking even a little responsibility for your part in the demise of your relationships, you can’t really learn from your mistakes in order to move on.
Forgive Yourself for Your Mistakes
Once you’ve accepted your role in the failed relationships, the next step in order to break the cycle of bad relationships is to forgive yourself. Even if your only mistake was to trust the wrong guys, beating yourself up for it won’t help you make better choices the next time around. If you secretly feel that you deserve everything bad that happened, you won’t be able to attract a partner who will treat you the right way.
Find the Source of the Pattern
Try to objectively find the source that’s been pushing you towards the wrong guys or the wrong approach in your relationships. Whether it’s low self-esteem or looking for the wrong thing, figure it out. Attraction to familiar types of men can be strong, even when they’re always the wrong choice. Find out what led you to make bad choices so you won’t be doomed to repeat them.
More: 10 Reasons to Stop Looking for Mr. Right
Analyze the Warning Signs
In order to break the cycle of bad relationships, you have to start paying attention to the red flags. If you go for bad boys, just walk away the first time they treat you badly. If your relationship troubles start from his jealousy, stop ignoring the first signs of possessiveness. Once you know what to look out for, you’ll be able to make better decisions in the future.
Figure Out What Your Real Priorities Are
After you’ve analyzed what the problems are, it’s equally important to really explore what you want out of a relationship. Go deep and find your real priorities, so you’ll know what to look for, instead of getting swept up in an instant attraction that might come from a bad place.
Date Outside Your Type
Even if your problem isn’t choosing the wrong guys, it never hurts to try something new. Break the cycle of bad relationships by dating outside your type for a while and seeing how you connect with different guys than those you’re naturally drawn to.
Visualize the Relationship You Want
A positive outlook is important when you’re ready to date again with a new perspective, but imagining the kind of relationship you want can also help a lot. You don’t have to be a fan of “The Secret” to know that you can guide yourself in the right direction with the right thoughts. Focus on your qualities and how they’ll help you get the guy you want.
Allow Your Friends and Family to Help
Progress isn’t always quick, so you should allow the people you trust to help you in choosing a man who’s better suited to you. There’s no better way to break the cycle of bad relationships than to trust those who’ve observed your romantic troubles objectively.
See also: 10 Rules for Finding Love on Tinder
Be Open to Blind Dates
You can get more than feedback from your family and friends. You should also allow them to set you up on blind dates. Even if there’s no instant connection, open yourself to something new in order to move forward.
Stick to Your New Deal Breakers
Once you know what you’ve been doing wrong and how to break the cycle of bad relationships, you should respect the rules you’ve set for yourself. Don’t ignore deal breakers just because a guy is hot, set your boundaries and stick to them every time.
