Life is strange. Sometimes you fall in love with the most terrible person. Other times, the nicest person on the planet steals your heart, but something just doesn’t seem right.

It seems crazy to look for reasons to break up with someone that you’re still in love with.

If you love them, wouldn’t you want to be together? Maybe,  or maybe not. After all, relationships end for reasons other than cheating and betrayal.

Even though the love is clearly present, it may be worthwhile knowing how to know when you should break up.

But what about the heartbreak? I have broken up with someone who may have been the nicest person that I have ever met.

She did absolutely nothing wrong and I was totally in love.  It just wasn’t right to waste our time knowing things weren’t right.

Things not feeling right is a perfectly acceptable reason to break up with someone.  If you feel like you are constantly trying to convince yourself to stay in a relationship, then it’s probably time to let go.

Often times, it is nothing to do with the person that you are dating, or the things that they may or may not have done.

Sometimes it has more to do with where you are in your life.  Love may have nothing to do with it at all.

It can be hard to tell if you are doing the right thing at the moment the relationship ends but it with a few tips you can have a better idea of how to know when you should break up.

1. You are no longer happy.

Just because your heart tells you one thing doesn’t always mean that it is right.

Just because your heart says no to the wonderful thoughtful caring partner and yes to the rude, arrogant, self-centered yet charming guy it doesn’t mean you have to listen.

Never stay with someone just because you are afraid of breaking their heart.  That doesn’t help either one of you.

2. You are both after different things.

You might want to have kids, but she doesn’t.  She wants to move, you want to settle down.  These are big decisions that you should both be on board with.

Couples who make sacrifices for each other tend to be happier.  If you receive a great job offer in another state but your partner is unwilling to move, maybe it’s time to rethink the relationship.

If you really want the job, you shouldn’t have to compromise.  Maybe it’s time to move on.

3. You always think about breaking up.

Even if you don’t have a reason to, if you are constantly being bombarded with thoughts of breaking it off, maybe it is time to do so.

Even if you can’t figure out exactly why, you should trust your instinct.  You may feel sad or relieved but both are normal.

Things will get better, they always do. Remember, it is more important to love yourself and move on than to continue in a relationship that does not leave you feeling satisfied.

4. You can’t “fix” things.

You keep fighting over little things or there is just that one thing that you can never resolve. You just can’t get past it no matter what you do.

You should never demand that your partner changes. If these things are causing problems or there is some bigger issue that requires a change you are unwilling to make, maybe it’s time to part ways.

5. You aren’t getting the things you need.

Some people are unable to deal with long term relationships. They need physical affection on a regular basis. Some people fall in love with the quiet introverted types and then can’t deal with the lack of expressing feelings later on.

Others fall in love with people who don’t have similar interests and never want to do anything together.

Just because they are the best most thrilling partner you have ever had, doesn’t mean that they are fulfilling all of your needs.

If your needs are not being fulfilled then you shouldreally put some thought into whether or not it is working out. It’s OK to put your needs first, to make YOU a priority.

Just make sure to take some time to think about what went wrong and what your priorities are before getting back on the dating scene.

6. You are in an abusive relationship.

Not many people like to talk about it but there is still a tendency to feel sad after leaving an abusive relationship.

Just because you feel sad after leaving someone who was physically, verbally or sexually abusive doesn’t mean it was the wrong choice.

It simply means you need to take some time for grieving and mourn the loss of the good aspects of the relationship.

Abuse in a relationship should be a definite deal breaker. Having said this, it doesn’t mean that it turns off all of the emotions that you are feeling.

Breaking up is hard. What can make it even harder is breaking up with someone that you truly care deeply about.

If you are sure that you understand how to know when you should break up and things have truly come to an end, it is important to move on.

Before doing this however you should take a deep breath, trust your gut and remember that you need to put yourself first.

Life can be tough sometimes and relationships can often add to the stresses of life. Even if you truly love this person they may not be the one that is right for you.

Always put your well-being first and always be sure that you are not just staying in a relationship because you are afraid to let go.

Author's Bio: 

Alex J. Stevenson is the founder of The Master Training Kit: How to Get Over Your Ex In 14 Days - the ultimate source to get over anyone in a few days. If you are struggling to get over someone, signup for his FREE report on his website.