Is it normal to breakup multiple times?
285 Answers
Moderated by Danielle Johnson, MSED, Community mental Health Counseling, LMHC
Updated: Jan 7, 2024
Anonymous
on
Nov 19, 2020
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It really depends on the kind of relationship you guys have together.
Speaking from personal experience, I think it's very normal and I hope you don't feel unworthy or discouraged. It's completely normal.
My ex and I had an on and off relationship not because one of us is cheating on each other or have conflicts with each other but because we decided we needed time away from each other. In some cases, we drifted apart because of how occupied we are with ourselves. That's when we come to a conclusion to take some time apart and perhaps come back when we're feeling more ourselves. Growing together is important in a relationship but self-growth and self-care is even more important when it comes to a long-term relationship, to me.
However, I do not like the idea of getting back together if my significant other have been treating me in a way that hurts me whether it'd be mentally or physically. It's definitely not healthy for both of us. That being said, I'd rather think of what I can do to make the relationship last longer but I definitely won't hesitate to cut ties or break up if I don't feel content with how I am being treated.
annegray2018
on
Nov 25, 2020
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It's not normal. It's something that happens. It shows the relationship is not healthy and therefore toxic. There could be patterns of abandonment issues or any other negative toxic traits. There's something both parties are lacking or doing that is making the cycle to be repetitive which needs to be looked at and addressed before reuniting with each other. Failure to do so the cycle will keep going on and on and then you won't even understand why you keep breaking up with each other. Focus on what is causing the breakup and then work on the issue to fix it
Anonymous
on
Nov 26, 2020
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No. that is actually a very toxic thing to go through. Try talking through it before breaking up. If that doesn't work, then maybe it is time to just cut each other off. It will be for the best for the both of you and will maybe bring some type of clarity to your lives. Maybe it will push you closer together, maybe it will leave you alone or starting over with someone new. But it will all be for the better. You decide what you want to put yourself through. Keep struggling with the breaking up multiple times, or just bettering yourself.
shincerelyjane
on
Dec 5, 2020
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It's definitely not normal. I've been in an on and off relationship for about a year and a half. My partner and I have never been able to create a solid foundation in our relationship, which resulted in lot of tension, mistrust, and no room for growth. You'd think that with each breakup, it would get easier, but it really doesn't. You end up becoming accustomed to the toxicity that comes with dating unstable individuals. Codependency has a lot to do with why we're in unhealthy relationships and why we fear the idea of being alone, but it really does get better when you make an active effort to become your own support system.
JessicaBrooks
on
Dec 10, 2020
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Yes, it is. Sometimes you have to try new things to get where you want to. If you fall down multiple times, you need to get back up. Talking to someone helps. I understand how you feel, and you are not alone. I believe in you, I know that one day you will get there. It may take time, but it pays off. If you feel stressed, just talk to someone. There are supportive people everywhere! I know that you are special and if you keep trying, you will get where you want to be. Farewell, I truly hope you are safe and healthy.
StarFox85
on
Dec 16, 2020
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Whether it is "normal" or not is rather subjective. Certainly I have seen this pattern of behaviour in couples in the past and it was utterly "normal" for them while to those of us on the outside it may seem abnormal.
I think most would agree that it is, at least, undesireable.
I would be asking myself WHY it is breakups have happened so frequently. Partners who have a habit of making ultimatums or threats which lead to repeated breakups and get-togethers have an unhealthy way of coping with stress. There may be a romantic element to it, some people find that breaking up and then getting back together is a way of feeling the initial rush of endorphins that a new relationship brings and subconsciously cause the repeated breakups and get-togethers as a way of feeling this rush. Some people will start arguments because they find that they have better sex after the arguments.
In all cases it is unpleasant for all parties involved and it does raise some red flags. It can be an indicator of an unstable emotional state and is a symptom of some mental health disorders, all of which are treatable with therapy and/or medication.
I would also look at the reasons for the breakups as this is a factor that should be considered. Have there been repeated infidelities, violence or emotional abuse etc, then ask myself whether these things were a pattern of behaviour which was in my power to improve upon. Remember that other people's behaviour is not in your power to change or control, neither should it be, so you can only focus on YOUR contribution to the situation.
Ultimately the question is whether this pattern is damaging to all parties involved. Relationships should not cause those involved pain and suffering on a frequent basis. If they do then it can be helpful to step back and self-evaluate, focus on your own flaws and issues and do what you can to improve on them before considering a new relationship or revisiting the old one.
Above all self-care is important if this is the situation you are in. Be kind to yourself and allow yourself the time and space you need to recover from stress and consider your position and options.
Hedwiglovegood
on
Dec 20, 2020
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By normal if you mean common then yes, it happens really often in some people's lives. But it can be very unhealthy as in most cases it takes a huge toll mentally and emotionally on both partners. It's best to avoid breaking up if the situation can be sorted with a heart to heart conversation. If the reasons for breakup are extreme it might be a good idea to avoid a patch-up because relationships aren't supposed to be built on toxicity. One thing I have seen often is that some people hold breakup as a consequence or punishment for everything and that is again very unhealthy and toxic for mental and emotional health. Please handle these things with kindness but certainty. I wish you the best!!
Anonymous
on
Jan 16, 2021
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Yes, it's completely normal to break up multiple times. It's how you find out your preferences. I personally have been through a few relationships and it helped me find out what I liked or didn't. It helps a person to see what kind of partner they want in their life. Each relation will help you to see what you disliked or preferred. You can learn all these from your past relationships. So you shouldn't stress about your past relationships. No one finds their best partners in one shot. It takes multiple tries. You shouldn't stress about this topic and instead should learn from them.
fallenangel030205
on
Jan 20, 2021
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So it all depends on why you and your partner are breaking up, if it's because of arguing or trust issues or cheating, then it is a bad thing to keep getting back together with this person even if they say that they've changed. Speaking from experience, unless it was a bad reason for breaking up, like because you both couldn't agree on something you both like, then you should never go back to a toxic person more than once. If they are toxic, then the best thing to do would get rid of them forever. If you think that they would be good for you and that they are the right option and they truly have changed, then, and only then it is ok to go back them more than once.
Saltwater7
on
Jan 24, 2021
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It is not a clear question.. do you mean within a single relationship? or over time? And what is "normal"? I think it's not desirable to be in a relationship that is full of drama and breakups: it would be very stressful, would impact on health, work, and other relationships and support systems, and might indicate emotional immaturity on the part of one or both partners.If there is a lot of blaming within a relationship this might indicate projection. Or it may be that both parties need to work on their communication skills. Issues can often blow up when parties make assumptions rather than ask, assume and don't engage with vulnerability. Relationships need both parties to speak and act in a way that is mutually supportive, in the interests of "we", rather than either 'I" being right and the other wrong. A heathy relationship is not overly competitive. It is a partnership.
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