As we grow and navigate the infinite twists and turns of life we may often find ourselves in a particularly difficult and awkward fork in the road - outgrowing a friendship. While there are endless articles, books, podcasts, and movies about the end of romantic relationships, we often don’t speak about what happens when a friendship has run its course.

As the New Year unfolds and the glow of Valentine's Day approaches, it's a season of reflection, goal-setting, and cherishing the relationships that shape our lives. One relationship that is so often neglected, however, is that which we have with ourselves. As Aristotle so astutely put it, self-knowledge is truly life’s most important journey, but one that is so difficult to navigate.

Breaking up is hard to do. Knowing when to break up can be even harder. Despite how hard it is, learning to recognize when you need to break things off is a great life skill and an important way to take care of your needs. If you’re questioning whether you need to end your relationship, ask yourself the following questions.