9 warning signs you should break up with your boyfriend

Is your current relationship feeling a little bit more like hard work than it used to? Are you finding yourself constantly criticizing your boyfriend or feeling like you can't be yourself around him? If so, it might be time to break up with your boyfriend. Here are 9 warning signs that it might be time to call it quits.

On this page

After the honeymoon phase is over, it’s normal for couples to start settling into a more comfortable routine. Sometimes we ask ourselves if this is all there is and start to wonder if our partner is really the right one for us. It’s completely normal to have this thought in relationships from time to time.

Sometimes our gut feeling is right, and sometimes, it’s not. If you are thinking about breaking up with your boyfriend, here are 9 warning signs that it might be time to end things!

If you’re looking for more relationship advice, check out our complete guide!

1. You’re constantly criticizing each other

1. You're constantly criticizing each other

If you find yourself constantly nit-picking at your boyfriend, it’s a sign that the relationship isn’t as strong as it once was. Arguments in relationships are normal, but if you’re always picking fights or criticizing each other, it’s a common sign that something is wrong.

Constant arguments can damage your romantic relationship. It’s important to be able to express how you’re feeling in a relationship, but constantly fighting is only going to lead to more negativity. If you’re arguing more than you’re getting along, it might be time to end things.

2. You don’t feel like yourself around him

If you find that you’re putting on a persona around your boyfriend, it might be time to break up. It’s normal to want to make a good impression in a relationship, but if you’re constantly putting on an act, it’s not sustainable.

In a healthy relationship, you should feel like you can be yourself around your partner without the fear of judgment. If you don’t feel like you can be your true self, ask yourself why. It might be time to find someone who accepts you for who you are.

3. You’re always the one making the effort

3. You're always the one making the effort

In a healthy relationship, both partners should be putting in equal amounts of effort. If you’re always the giver in your romantic relationship, it’s not sustainable.

One of the biggest signs that you might be in a one-sided relationship is if you’re always the one initiating activities or communication. If your partner isn’t putting in the effort to make things work, it might be time to call it quits.

A one-sided relationship is an unhealthy relationship and not good for your mental health. So if you notice that you’re always the one making an effort, it’s time to have a serious conversation with your boyfriend.

4. You have different values

Having different core values is always a challenge in a committed relationship. Maybe your core values did match up at the beginning of your relationship but changed over time. If you find that your values no longer align, it might be a sign that you’re not compatible in the long run.

It can be tough to break up with someone because of conflicts of values, but if it’s something that’s important to you, it’s worth considering. Especially if you don’t see eye to eye on important topics like religion, politics, or other social issues.

5. You’re always walking on eggshells

5. You're always walking on eggshells

If you’re constantly tiptoeing around your boyfriend and walking on eggshells, it’s a sign that the relationship is unhealthy. Relationships should be built on trust and mutual respect, not fear.

If you’re afraid of your partner’s reaction to what you say or do, it’s a sign that you’re might be in a toxic relationship. If your boyfriend has anger issues or is constantly putting you down, it’s not a healthy environment to be in.

It’s important to feel safe and comfortable in your relationship. If you don’t, it might be time to break up with your boyfriend.

6. You’re not having fun anymore

What’s the point of being in a relationship if you’re not having fun? If your relationship has become more of a chore than anything else, it might be time to re-evaluate things.

A big part of being in a loving relationship is enjoying your partner’s company. If you find that you’re no longer having fun when you’re together, it might be a sign that the relationship has run its course.

However, don’t make the mistake of thinking that all relationships are supposed to be fun all the time. There will be times when you’re not having fun, but if those times start to outweigh the good moments, it might be time to call it quits.

7. You don’t communicate

7. You don't communicate

If you’re not communicating with your partner, it’s a sign that something is wrong. Even if you’re not arguing, a lack of communication can be just as damaging to a relationship.

Bad communication can lead to a whole host of problems in a relationship. If you’re not communicating, you’re not able to resolve conflicts or work through tough times. This can eventually lead to a breakup.

So if you find that you and your boyfriend are not talking as much as you used to, it’s a sign that something is wrong. Try to communicate with him and see if things can improve. It will be a difficult conversation. However, conversations are necessary for a healthy relationship.

If you have the opportunity, seek professional help from a relationship expert. They help you and your partner learn how to communicate effectively.

8. You have different ideas about the future

When your life goals don’t match up, it can be tough to stay together. If you’re not on the same page about where you see yourselves in the future, it might be time to end things.

It’s important to have a discussion about your future plans early on in the relationship. That way, you can avoid getting too invested if you’re not on the same page.

However, even if you didn’t discuss your plans early on, it’s still possible to have a successful relationship. If you’re willing to compromise and work together, you can make it work. But on some topics, like having kids, it might be impossible to find a middle ground.

9. Your partner is abusive

9. Your partner is abusive

If your partner is emotionally and/or physically abusive, it’s time to get out of the relationship. Abuse is never acceptable, no matter what the circumstances are.

Abusive relationships are extremely damaging to your health. Don’t try to tough it out or fix your partner. No one deserves to be in an abusive relationship. Get out as soon as possible.

The most important thing is to keep yourself safe. Seek help and support from your friends, family, or a professional.


Being stuck in an unhappy relationship will affect your life negatively. So it’s important to work through your issues or end things if you can’t see a future with your partner.

But remember, it’s not always easy to make the decision to break up. If you decide to do so, here our tips on how to end a relationship

Author picture of Janet Smith
Dating Expert

Janet Smith

Janet Smith is a freelance writer who writes about psychology, relationships, and dating. She has always been interested in understanding the human brain and how it affects our …

Read full bio

Get the official app 😍

PumPum® app icon

PumPum®

For iPhone & Android
Browse all articles