There are many reasons to stay in a relationship (even when it is challenging).  Likewise, the are many reasons to leave a relationship.  Staying in a relationship out of an experience of love, commitment, and value is something most people would gladly support.  However, staying in a relationship out of a fear of being alone, expecting someone to make us feel good enough, or because we are unwilling to acknowledge the truth about our partner is something few people would support.  It can be helpful to ask ourselves “why am I staying or leaving?”  Often our motivation for leaving or staying in a relationship is more informative than whether the relationship is comfortable or not.

What are (or have been) my reasons for staying in a relationship?  Am I willing to work on a difficult relationship from a place of love and value?  Am I willing to leave a relationship when it becomes untenable?