Letting go

Probably but we are the generation that still believed in marriage for life etc., the youngsters are more pragmatic (or is that cynical?)

Yes Luckylegs, people sometimes hold on to negative or toxic relationships because they have no choice....if the toxic person is a member of the family, a severing with that one toxic person will have rippling effects on the family. So things are tolerated. If it's a 'friend', it's much much easier to cut them out of your life xx

It is said about divorce that it is exchanging one set of problems for another.
Sometimes there is no option.

Its hard to let go if you love someone, no matter how much your head says it would be better to.

I know several people who are afraid to be on their own so cling on to relationships which are not working. Loneliness is a great fear for some people.

It depends really.
Friends, I think it's not as unusual if things go wrong and people grow apart.

But Family. That's when it gets tricky. Do you hold on to something because it's what you're supposed to do? even if you're suffering? Or disengage and be seen as selfish and cold? But happier?

Either way, these 'people's can't win.

I’m in a very happy second marriage but grew up with unhappy, warring parents and had my own terrible first marriage. With hose experiences behind me I doubt I would ever hang on to any unhappy, miserable, aggressive relationship out of fear of being alone. I lived alone for twenty years between marriages and it was preferable to living in a war zone.

Those, not hose,

Harder as you get older..to walk away...and where to?

Yes, that’s the dilemma.

Perhaps to mental and physical freedom?

I’m living alone after 32 years married and fear getting old alone.it’s sometimes a joy just to know your not alone in the world by being on this wonderful site

I have let go of a few people who were abusing my friendship. I miss them, their humour and our shared history, loneliness is a miserable companion.

I have no idea of the answer to this one as I am just as likely to make new chums with the same agendas / faults and will have wasted some brilliant memories....but, who wants to be put on?

Brexit resulted in a few culled from my friendship list but the usual litany of money not being repaid and being let down is responsible too. I just don't like myself when being taken for a ride and as, by and large, I am the only one here, that is important.

I am stuck in a toxic relationship. Feeling really low today.

Lyndon I'm sorry you're feeling so low, perhaps talking to someone you trust (or using GN) might help?

Aww Lyndie I feel for you.
You can be in a roomful of people and still feel lonely

I think that people do that even with friendships so if you add in the impact of housing, money, children etc., both memories of what the relationship was and dreams of what it was going to be, I think it is very understandable that people hang on in. There are so many emotions involved, hope that it will still work out, worry about the practicalities and the emotional side of suddenly being on your own. It is perhaps surprising that so many people are courageous enough to leave long term marriages.

I started going out with my husband at 15. Married at twenty. Far too young looking back. Stuck with it for the children. Tried to divorce him and sell the house. Tears up the divorce papers and refuses to sell the house. He still controls me.

You have one life... don't waste it. You never know when it will end.

I think sometimes people try to hold on too hard and the other person feels they have to "escape" if you see what I mean. Sometimes giving people a breathing space helpss.

I do think it’s fear that keeps people in a bad relationship quite often, the unknown and loneliness are big factors, but for me being lonely would be preferable. I know money is also an issue for most people, but cheap accommodation can be found except probably in places like London of course, although cheap places might not be too appealing - I guess it depends on how bad the relationship is.
I also think that one or two people stay in a bad relationship because the actually seem to enjoy the drama and moaning that goes with it, certainly i knew someone just like this - I no longer see her as I couldn’t stand another session of how awful her husband/marriage was whilst refusing to do anything about it.

Lyndie your story is similar
Met at 15 married at 19 and far to young.
He never sowed his oats as he put it and needed to see what it was like ..... in other words mid life crises

Lyndie oh Lyndie., I so feel for you. I've been stuck in a toxic marriage( if you can call it that) for 45 years. My husband has always controlled me with money and for the past 20 years it's been MY money . He stopped working at 50 and has been living off me all that time. When at 62 I finially rebelled .... I got my state pension... and very warily had it paid into MY newly opened FIRST solo bank account.!!! He went berserk ... he threatened...he raged...he ranted... he put his fist in my face ... he verbally abused me for three weeks. I let him rant and rant and rant. E
When he ran out of anything left to say to make me 'conform' to his expectations I told him if he didn't 'take his mouth of me' I would leave him to cope without me being his skivvy. He paid 37 pence for a wedding licence to marry and I thought he'd had his money's worth!!! In fact I think I paid the registrar. So I know all about these miserable marriages that a lot of us seem to be suffering on GN ... The only answer is to stand up to these 'men'... what's the worst they can do. The law has swung onto our side at last. Use it!

Oh my such sad stories
Sending my love to all x