Life
The Main Reason Millennials Are Never, Ever Getting Back With Their Exes
When deciding to end a relationship, it may be because the other person is standing in the way of the life you want, whether that's a certain goal or just your happiness in general. The people you surround yourself with either lift you up or bring you down, so, it makes sense that you'd want your significant other to add to your life in a positive way.
In a relationship survey of 1,107 Americans ages 18 and over, conducted by YouGov on behalf of MaraNatha, the nut butter company, we're given a glimpse into when it really was a "it's you, not me" breakup. Of those surveyed, one-third said they had ended a relationship because they thought they were too good for the other person.
Those who had broken up with someone for this reason were then asked what made them too good for the other person, and their answers showing how important believing in your worth really is. "Most people know deep down if they’re faking it with another person," Jonathan Bennett, dating and relationship coach and owner of The Popular Man, tells Bustle. "Trust your gut. You likely know the truth... and what you have to do. If your opinion of your partner has become extremely negative, it’s probably time to end it.. While you don’t have to idolize your partner, if you regularly feel disgusted, annoyed, or embarrassed by his or her behavior, what’s the point of sticking together?"
There are many reasons why someone chooses to end a relationship — and holding yourself to a higher standard is one of them. So here's why millennials think they're too good for their exes.
1They Were More Accomplished
The number one reason people think they're better than an ex? Accomplishment. Thirty-seven percent of millennial respondents listed this as their reason. If you're off living your best life while your significant other is holding you back, it may be time to cut the chord.
2They Were Smarter
Coming in at a close second, 33 percent of people said being smarter than their ex is what led to them breaking up. It's important to have a partner who challenges you — and intelligence plays a big part in that.
3They Had More Hobbies/Involvements
Your hobbies make up a huge part of who you are. If you're involved in a variety of activities while your partner stays at home on the couch all the time, it can make you question what they're passionate about and if they're too dependent on the relationship. With 27 percent of people saying this is the reason they broke things off, it's definitely something to think about.
4They Were Nicer
There's a quote by Johann Wolfgang von Goethe that reads, "You can easily judge the character of a man by how he treats those who can do nothing for him." Your significant other's kindness matters in how they treat you and how they treat those around them. If you find that they are not as nice as you would hope, I think that's an excellent reason to move on — as did 25 percent of respondents.
5They Were Better Looking
OK, so this is definitely not the best reason to end a relationship, as looks shouldn't determine if someone is dateable. However, for 18 percent of people, it mattered enough to move on.
6They Were Funnier
If you ask for someone's type, odds are they'll say someone with a sense of humor. Being able to laugh with each other is a great way to keep the relationship fun. When your humor doesn't match up, it can create awkward situations or make you uncomfortable. For 16 percent of respondents, this mismatch led to the end of their relationship.
7They Were More Of A Risk-Taker
So risk-taking doesn't have to mean something as drastic as jumping out of a plane, but it can be a determinant of how you choose to live your life. If, like 16 percent of people surveyed, you find that you are much more of a risk taker than your partner, it can affect how both your short- and long-term goals line up.
8They Had More Friends
If you have many friends you're close to and see often and your significant other has very few, that can lead to problems in the relationship. If you feel pressured to constantly drop plans with your friends to be with your partner, that can be a sign of bigger problems. For 11 percent of people, this was a dealbreaker.
When it comes down to it, if you aren't feeling happy and fulfilled in your relationship, it's time to end it. You deserve a person who excites you and is a complement to who you are. Ending an OK relationship to find a great one isn't wrong — it's brave.