How to know when it's time to break up

There may be 50 ways to leave your lover, but you've got to make up your mind about splitting up in the first place. These soul-searching tips will help. Watch this video to learn how to know when it's time to break up.

You Will Need

* An evaluation of your relationship
* A self-assessment
* Honesty

Step 1. Leave an abuser

If you are being physically abused, break it off immediately: It is definitely time to get out.

Step 2. Don’t tolerate emotional abuse, either

Don’t tolerate emotional abuse, either. If your partner spends much of their time belittling you, it is not a healthy relationship.

Step 3. Evaluate your spats

If you’ve been fighting lately, think about the substance of your spats. Are they about inconsequential things? Or do you have insurmountable differences in important areas like money, sex, or parenting?

Be realistic: No relationship can stay in the honeymoon phase forever.

Step 4. Ask yourself if you’re still in "like"

Forget about being madly in love, which is a stage of romantic love that’s difficult to sustain. Figure out if you still like your partner.

Step 5. Analyze why you’re staying

Think about why you’ve stayed in the relationship this far. Is there real love there, or are you afraid to be alone? Are financial reasons keeping you from moving on? Are you dreading hurting this person’s feelings? None of these are good reasons to stay in a bad relationship.

Step 6. Be honest

Ready to pack your bags? Answer one more question: Is it your relationship that’s making you restless, or is it something else? Changing partners won’t make you happy if the person you are really displeased with is yourself.

FACT: Just two percent of people surveyed admitted to breaking up with someone via text message.