Published on October 25th, 2024
You’ve finally walked away from a toxic relationship, but weeks later, you find yourself thinking, “Maybe it wasn’t that bad?” or “What if they’ve changed?” Sound familiar?
Breaking free from a Gen Z toxic relationship isn’t just about physically leaving—it’s about resisting the emotional and digital pull to return.
So, why does it feel so hard to escape, even when you know it’s unhealthy?
In the age of constant communication and social media reminders, walking away means more than cutting ties; it means overcoming the lingering presence of that person in your online life and emotional world.
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The Fairy Tale We Grew Up With
We’ve all watched movies where the toxic person changes in the end because of love. In real life, it’s different.
People change, sure—but only when they’re ready to, and that doesn’t happen overnight. The truth is, while you’re waiting for someone else to get better, you’re putting yourself through repeated cycles of pain.
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Jamie’s Journey: Inside A Gen Z Toxic Relationship
Let’s talk about Jamie. After months of breaking up and getting back together, Jamie finally walked out of her toxic relationship.
Every time she left, her ex flooded her with messages, apologizing, promising to change, and saying how much they loved her. Jamie loved them too, so she believed them—until nothing changed.
One night, while feeling lonely, she started wondering if things could be different this time. That’s how toxic cycles work: they mess with your head, convincing you to doubt your own feelings.
Have you ever caught yourself making excuses for someone’s toxic behavior because you wanted to believe they could be better?
Why It’s Hard To Let Go
It’s natural to remember the good times after some distance, but don’t let nostalgia rewrite history.
Ask yourself: What made me leave in the first place? When you start thinking, “It wasn’t so bad” or “They were just going through something”—pause.
Your feelings matter. Going back to someone who hurt you won’t magically fix everything. Real change takes time and consistent effort, not just empty promises.
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How Do You Want To Be Treated?
Take a second to reflect: How did this person make you feel when you were together? Did you feel safe expressing yourself, or were you constantly walking on eggshells?
When you’re in a healthy relationship, you don’t feel anxious or confused after every conversation. If you’re always unsure of where you stand with someone, that’s a sign it’s not right.
Toxic relationships are a mix of good and bad. You can’t just hope for the good parts and ignore the bad—they’re a package deal. So, ask yourself: Is this the kind of relationship I deserve?
Grieving Is Part Of Healing
Leaving a toxic relationship hurts, and it’s okay to feel sad about it. You’re not just grieving the person—you’re also mourning the future you imagined with them, the plans that didn’t work out.
But here’s the thing: feeling sad doesn’t mean you should go back. It’s a natural part of healing, and it doesn’t mean you made the wrong decision by walking away.
Have you ever felt like your sadness was a sign you should return to your ex, even though deep down you knew it wasn’t right?
You may also like How Gen Z Handles Breakup Communication in Their 20s.
Lean On Your Support System
You don’t have to go through this alone. Talk to your friends, family, or a therapist about what you’re feeling.
Sometimes, you might feel embarrassed for defending this person or ashamed for not leaving sooner—but the people who love you want to support you. Let them in. They’re proud of you for choosing yourself.
And if you’re struggling, there’s no shame in seeking professional help. A therapist can help you work through those feelings of guilt, loneliness, and confusion. Why carry that weight alone?
Cut Off Contact—Completely
Yes, it’s tempting to check your ex’s social media or answer their texts. You want to know if they’re hurting as much as you are. But keeping them in your awareness just adds to your pain.
It keeps you stuck in the cycle. Cutting off contact—yes, even blocking them—gives you the space to heal without reopening old wounds. So, next time you’re tempted to stalk their Instagram, ask yourself: Is this helping me move on, or is it pulling me back into the hurt?
It’s Okay To Put Yourself First
You might feel like you’re being selfish for not considering your ex’s difficult past or their reasons for toxic behavior.
But here’s the truth: protecting your mental health and wanting a happy, safe relationship isn’t selfish. You don’t have to sacrifice your well-being for someone else’s growth. You deserve to be happy and healthy, too.
Have you ever found yourself putting someone else’s needs before your own, even when it hurt you?
You may also like “From Breakup to Breakthrough: Renewing Your Love.”
Talk About Your Feelings—As Much As You Need To
Sometimes, we stop talking about how we feel because we’re afraid of being a burden. But bottling up those emotions only makes things worse.
Whether it’s with friends, family, or a therapist, keep talking until you don’t need to anymore.
Healing takes time, and so does talking through your pain. Don’t rush the process. You’re allowed to feel everything you’re feeling.
What’s Next? Focus On Your Future
Choosing to leave a toxic relationship is the first step, but healing is a journey. You deserve a relationship where you feel safe, valued, and respected. So, what does that look like for you? How do you want to feel in your next relationship?
You’re not alone in this journey, and it’s okay to take time to figure it all out. Remember, you’re allowed to choose yourself. You deserve better.
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Ready to take back control of your life?
Start by choosing yourself and stepping away from the cycle of Gen Z toxic relationships. Talk to a friend, seek out a support group, or reach out to a therapist. Healing is a process, and you don’t have to navigate it alone. We’re here to support you every step of the way.
