Holly Riordan

You shouldn’t stay in a relationship where you’re miserable or lonely or neglected. If you want to try to make the relationship work for a while, that’s wonderful, but you need to stay realistic.

Change isn’t always negative. Sometimes, it’s exactly what you need in order to grow into the best possible version of yourself. It gives you the opportunity to see new places, meet new people, and explore uncharted sides of yourself.

This person is directing their effort elsewhere. You know they aren’t lazy because they can put in the work when the time is right. The problem is, they’re not putting in the work with you.

You feel emotionally drained after every conversation with them. This person is always involved in some sort of drama. They always have a problem with a friend, a partner, a relative, or a coworker.

I’m tired of trying so hard to be a good person and getting it thrown back in my face. I’m tired of people treating me in the most hurtful, heartbreaking ways.

The right person might not understand your anxiety, but they will accept that it is a part of you. They won’t hold it against you. They won’t vilify you over it.

It’s so much harder to get over your exes when social media exists. Even though you should mute (or delete) their accounts, the temptation to check in on them is overwhelming.

Texts demanding that you prove where you are. If your person trusts you, then they should believe you when you tell them you’re out with your friends or are busy working.

Soft hearts struggle with modern dating because their clinginess can be seen as a weakness. In reality, it’s proof that they care. It’s insurance that they have feelings for you and aren’t afraid to admit it.

You shouldn’t have to stress about them cheating. If they love you, they’ll express that love in a million little ways. They’ll never leave you wondering whether their feelings for you are fading.

Your worst days don’t define you. Yes, you’ve gone through tough times. No, you haven’t always responded in the best possible way. However, you should never let your past define you.

Don’t date them because you feel uncomfortable carrying the single label into your late twenties or thirties.

Dates where they’re doing all the talking. If they’re genuinely interested in your life, then they should be asking questions. They should be trying to learn more about you.

It’s a good thing your almost relationship didn’t work out because you deserve more. You deserve someone who texts you back every single time, not only when it’s convenient, when they’re bored or lonely or interested in sex.

People who only care about themselves. People like this aren’t going to care about your happiness. They’re going to make decisions that are the most convenient for them, regardless of what it means for you.

The other person probably didn’t make it easy on you. Even though they were treating you terribly and giving you every reason to leave, they probably weren’t happy when you decided you deserved better.

When someone acts inappropriately, you’re allowed to feel hurt. Don’t let anyone convince you to take the high road when the high road means letting disrespect slide. The high road means letting someone get away with treating you poorly.

Breaking up with someone toxic is the bravest thing you could ever do. You should be proud of yourself for raising your expectations, for refusing to settle for the crumbs you’ve been given and deciding you deserve better.