Because Sometimes Love Means Letting Go… and Finding the Remote

Walking away from someone you love feels like a confusing contradiction. It’s a choice that tugs at your emotions and leaves you questioning everything. Why would anyone decide to distance themselves from someone they care about? The answer lies in the complex balance between love and taking care of oneself.

In a society where relationships are important and often hard to find, stepping back from someone you care about seems strange. However, sometimes it’s essential for our mental well-being. When faced with financial issues, stress, and shaky relationships, creating some space can help prevent explosive situations instead of completely ending them. It doesn’t have to be a forever decision, even if it might turn out that way.

Courage to Choose Yourself

It takes a lot of bravery to decide to walk away from a situation. This choice isn’t a sign of failure or weakness; it’s about trusting your gut feelings. It’s recognizing that your well-being should come first, even if it means making tough decisions. Walking away doesn’t mean you’re ending relationships over minor disagreements or neglecting your responsibilities. It’s a thoughtful choice, often made after hearing promises of change but not seeing any real improvement.

Why Distance is Important

Having some distance gives you options. At its core, love should always allow for choices, even if they go against what you want. Sometimes, giving someone space is a loving gesture in itself. It allows people to pursue their dreams, even if you don’t agree with their decisions. Distance can be a blessing, whether it’s letting your adult child make their own choices or giving your partner the chance to follow their passion.

When communication breaks down, distance becomes necessary. People dealing with personal struggles might not be able to meet your needs. In these situations, it’s important to take charge of your own needs as best as you can.

Additionally, distance can shield you from hurtful comments. Poor boundaries with demanding family, friends, and loved ones can negatively affect your mental health. The things people say can either lift you up or bring you down. Keeping a distance from toxic individuals can be a way to protect yourself.

Healing from afar

Sometimes, you might need some space to heal. It’s important to take time to clear your mind, find support, and work through your feelings. Asking for help shows strength, and having some distance can help you see things more clearly as you start this journey.

When you create distance, it helps you focus by reducing distractions from others’ opinions and influences in your life. In that quiet time, you can really tune into your own feelings and figure out what you truly want.

How to Keep Your Distance

Establishing emotional distance is a way to set boundaries. It means protecting your feelings by distinguishing between friends and casual acquaintances. However, it’s important to note that this isn’t the same as shutting people out completely, which can signal a damaged relationship.

Emotional distance is about letting people in only a little after they’ve hurt you multiple times. It means adjusting your expectations and realizing that you can’t make anyone change except yourself. Just keep in mind that some people might not handle this emotional distance well and could decide to walk away from the relationship.

On the other hand, physical distance can also help. If you have overbearing in-laws or family members, sometimes putting some space between you can really help improve your relationship. When we see each other too often, we might start to take each other for granted. A little physical distance can give you a fresh outlook on your relationship.

The Skill of Letting Go

Stepping back from those you care about can feel like losing a part of yourself. But it doesn’t mean you have to completely remove them from your life. It’s about finding the right balance to heal and grow. It’s about valuing yourself enough to see what isn’t beneficial for you. It’s about taking the time to reflect on your life and the relationships you have.

Creating distance is a skill. It involves knowing when and how to do it. The real skill of distancing is recognizing which experiences and people are worth keeping close. Sometimes, the most courageous choice you can make is to walk away, not because you don’t care, but because you truly do.

Embracing the Freedom to Grow

Leaving a relationship doesn’t mean you’re giving up on love; it’s about changing how you see it. It’s about finding the right mix between holding on and letting go. It’s about prioritizing your own needs while still valuing the love you have for others. Sometimes, the most loving thing you can do is to let both yourself and the other person have the space to grow, even if that means being apart.

When you create distance, you open up new chances for personal development. This time away can help you dive into new hobbies, learn new skills, and reconnect with interests that got lost in a tough relationship. By embracing this chance to grow, you can build a stronger sense of who you are and gain a better understanding of what you really want in life and in your relationships.

Reconnecting with a Fresh Outlook

After some time apart, you might discover that getting back in touch with someone you care about is not only possible but also helpful. That break can give both of you a new way of looking at things, which can help you understand each other better. It’s really important to talk openly about what you’ve learned during the time away, so you both know where you stand as you move ahead.

On the flip side, it’s essential to recognize that not every relationship is meant to be revived. Sometimes, the time apart helps you see that the relationship doesn’t fit with your values or future plans anymore. In those situations, it’s perfectly fine to let go and appreciate the experiences and growth you’ve gained along the way.

Reconnecting with a Fresh Outlook

After some time apart, you might discover that getting back in touch with someone you care about is not only possible but also helpful. That break can give both of you a new way of looking at things, which helps you understand each other better. It’s really important to talk openly about what you’ve learned during the time away, so you both know where you stand as you move ahead.

On the flip side, it’s essential to recognize that not every relationship should be revived. Sometimes, the time apart helps you see that the relationship doesn’t fit with your values or future plans anymore. In those situations, it’s perfectly fine to let go and appreciate the experiences and growth you’ve gained along the way.

10 responses to “The Love Shuffle: When Walking Away is the New Hug”

  1. You didn’t discuss this in your article, but so often if we are in a codependent relationship, not only must we step back to protect ourselves. We must also step back to help the other person in the relationship. In codependence, both parties are part of the problem and only healthy boundaries can bring the possibility of.growth.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. You’re absolutely right. Setting boundaries is crucial in codependent relationships. It not only protects us but also gives the other person a chance to grow. It’s a tough step, but it’s necessary for both sides to heal and improve.

      Liked by 1 person

  2. As someone who has recently walked away – this is gold.

    Thanks, a very wise and beneficial post.

    😊😊😊

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thank you Michelle

      Like

  3. Very good piece. I shut myself off from my in-laws for a time. Being around them agitated and drained my energy. During that time away, I learned things about myself I wouldn’t have been able to see had I been caught up in that emotion from our interactions. It helped me to figure out how to deal with them once we reconnected. When they passed away, things were good between us.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. I’m glad you found some peace and clarity. Sometimes stepping back is the best way to gain perspective. It’s great to hear things were good between you and your in-laws in the end. That must bring some comfort.

      Liked by 1 person

  4. Even in a love-filled relationship, there needs to be intentional moments of personal space.

    Liked by 1 person

  5. Garima,

    Good advice but tough when communication is hindered. Listening is a key too. Have a great week. Gary

    Gary Avants Forbear Productions * *garyavants66@gmail.com garyavants66@gmail.com

    Liked by 1 person

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