when to walk away

There come certain times in life when walking away is something you have to consider. It could be turning away from the one you love, closing the door on a friendship, or even distancing yourself from family. It happens. It's life. It's okay to protect yourself. But when is it worth it?

I read this on the Thought Catalog the other day, and it got me thinking. We invest our time, thoughts, and emotions with people we've built relationships with. At one point they were ones we saw something in. We connected with. We were bound to. They were worth it.

But sometimes life strolls along and hits us.  
Hard.
It throws unexpected hurdles at us. Life-changing experiences. Sometimes it's less abrupt. We watch gradual changes in the ones we thought we knew, whether it's in others or in ourselves. Either way, life is ever-changing. It leads us to crossroads where decisions have to be made. You either sever the ties, or work to make them stronger.

If there are arguments, understand it's normal. Relationships of any kind aren't always perfect and peachy. If there are arguments more often, then it may not be the right fit.

Are you happy? It's important to feel healthy, accepted, and trusting in any relationship. Don't let any of these be jeopardized.

Consider the future. Imagine them fitting into what's coming, and imagine life without them.

Saying goodbye isn't typically an over-night, snap-of-the-fingers decision. It's difficult. It's sad. It's a parting that can change everything you knew. Now, that's not to say it's wrong. Sometimes saying goodbye is actually a beautiful thing. You get to spread your wings a little. Start fresh. Get back to who you were before the relationship came along.

I'm not saying it's right either. Relationships can be salvaged. Sometimes it takes a few hardships to make you understand how worth it, it is. You may want to hold onto the memories, and continue to make new ones. Distancing yourselves is sometimes appropriate, until you meet again as new people.

It's all about what is right for you.

I've had my share of goodbyes in my life. Some were easy. Most were hard. There were definitely tears and a few second guesses.

But I grew. 

Adjusted. 

Changed.

And don't regret a single one.

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