Especially if you’ve been with someone for a long time, it’s common to feel trapped in a relationship. So, what can you do?

There are two main options when you feel trapped in a relationship. First, you can bite the bullet and break up with your partner. Or, you can recommit and try and make things work. In this article, we’ll be going over both options, so you can decide what’s right for you. 

Option 1: Break Up With Your Partner

Couple discussing their relationship

First, if you’ve been feeling trapped for a long time, your best option may be to break up with your partner

If you’ve been feeling trapped for months or even years, this is a major sign a relationship isn’t meant to be. And that’s ok. Sometimes relationships just aren’t meant to last, and you may both be happier on your own. 

Breaking up with someone is never easy – whether it’s been a couple of months or many years. Regardless, try to be kind and understanding when going through with it. Explain to your partner why you feel like this is the best option.  

Of course, try not to rush into this decision. Think it over, and try to figure out why you feel trapped. If there’s something you can work on to make your relationship better, try that first. This may be the best course of action if you’re married or have kids.

Option 2: Make it Work

On the other hand, maybe you don’t want to break up. Regardless, something has to change in your relationship if you’re going to make it work. So, instead of breaking up with your partner, try to figure out where your issues lie. Maybe it’s time to ask some relationship check in questions and see if you’re on the same page about how you want this to work.

Maybe you’ve been together a long time and things have gone stale. Maybe you’re both too busy to have a romantic time together. Maybe you feel lonely in your relationship. Maybe there’s just a lack of communication. 

Whatever the issue is, try to pinpoint it and bring it up to your partner. The best thing you can do is to be open and honest about how you feel and move forward from there. 

This shows you’re ready and willing to put the effort in to make things work. Suggest ways to make your relationship feel special again. Something as simple as scheduling a weekly date night may help recapture your spark. 

Of course, this won’t always work. Maybe your relationship won’t work regardless of effort. In this case, breaking up may be your best choice. But, at least you can know you gave it a try. 

Conclusion

Feeling trapped in a relationship is a very common feeling. This is especially true for couples who have been together for years. Remember, if you’re feeling this way, your partner probably is too. 

Ultimately, you have two options. Break up with your partner, or try to switch things up to make it work. We recommend trying to make things work first but realize that breaking up may be your best option.