Ending relationships

Relationships end for many reasons. It might be because over time people’s interests change, they grow apart or they have less in common with each other. It might be because they move far away, or because they find somebody else they want to be in a relationship with.

Sometimes people in a relationship do not agree with each other and they argue. It is normal for people to have arguments sometimes, even in a healthy relationship. This does not mean the relationship has to end. People can work out their differences sometimes. But if it happens a lot, it is ok for somebody to decide they don’t want to be in that relationship anymore. If somebody is concerned that they are in an unhealthy relationship, they should speak to somebody they trust about what they should do.

To learn more about supporting your child to learn the difference between healthy and unhealthy relationships, go to healthy vs unhealthy relationships.

• There is nothing wrong with you – this just wasn’t the right relationship. There’s nothing to be ashamed of
• Just because one relationship ends doesn’t mean you can’t have another one in the future. People can have more than one close relationship in their life
• It’s better not to be in a relationship at all than to be in a bad one or in one where the other person doesn’t feel the same way as you do
• It’s ok and normal to feel hurt, angry or to miss the other person, even if you were the one who ended the relationship
• These feelings won’t last forever. Give yourself some time to get over the loss of the relationship, but remember, you have so much more in your life to look forward to

Try to look at the positives – it’s a good opportunity to learn more about yourself and what you really want in future relationships