When Love Becomes a Burden: Is It Time to Walk Away?

Letting go is one of the hardest lessons I’ve had to learn in a relationship. It’s something I struggled with for years. In relationships that no longer serve me, I find myself holding on—not because of the person they are, but because I’m holding onto the version of them I imagined in my head. I’m chasing the dreams I created, the hopes I invested, and the expectations that were never met.

In this post, I’d like to share a story of a friend who fell in love with a narcissist—someone who seemed perfect at first but gradually revealed a darker side.

Please note that the stories I share on my blog may be inspired by real people and events, but not all are based on actual experiences.

At first, it seemed like the perfect relationship. The connection was effortless, their conversations flowed, and he made her feel like she was the center of his world. They met during a time when everything felt fresh and full of promise, and she couldn’t help but believe this was the beginning of something meaningful.

But as time passed, cracks began to appear. He was attentive when it suited him—sending sweet messages and making grand promises—but his actions often didn’t match his words. He was frequently busy, distracted, and rarely prioritized her. Still, she convinced herself that the good moments outweighed the bad.

The turning point came when he revealed that he didn’t believe in traditional relationships. He wasn’t interested in commitment, and while he cared for her, he made it clear that he wouldn’t stop seeing other people. He framed this as “honesty,” but over time, it became clear that his honesty was a justification for his behavior.

She found herself in a cycle of doubt and emotional exhaustion. Whenever she voiced her concerns, he’d dismiss them as overthinking or accuse her of not being understanding enough. The more she tried to hold on, the more distant he became. What made it harder was the investment she had already made—her time, energy, and heart. Walking away felt impossible because she had already given so much of herself.

When he returned to visit, she hoped it would be a chance to reset things. For a brief moment, it seemed like they were back to how they used to be. But soon, a small disagreement spiraled into something bigger. He became cold and distant, avoiding conversations and canceling plans. Weeks turned into months of minimal contact, and every attempt to reconnect was met with indifference.

Then, one day, in a casual conversation, he admitted that he didn’t see her as a priority anymore. If she wanted to stay in his life, she’d have to prove herself. That was the moment of clarity she needed. She realized that the relationship had become one-sided—she was fighting to keep something alive that he had already let go of.

The first thing we learn from this story is that letting go isn’t easy. But she had to face the difficult truth: Love should never feel like begging for scraps of attention. It wasn’t about blaming him or herself; it was about recognizing that the dynamic could never give her the security and respect she deserved.

The experience taught her that relationships are partnerships, not competitions. If someone truly values you, they will show up for you consistently—not just when it’s convenient. Their actions will speak louder than words, and they will invest in you as much as you invest in them.

So, if you currently find yourself in a relationship or friendship filled with doubts, moments of uncertainty, and where your value is constantly questioned, know that it’s okay. Take your time and realize that you deserve so much more than that. There’s a whole world to experience and so many opportunities waiting for you. Why waste years of your life begging for someone’s attention when you can create the life you truly deserve?

Letting go isn’t about giving up—it’s about choosing yourself. It’s about realizing that love, at its core, should feel secure, mutual, and uplifting.

By walking away, she didn’t lose anything—she gained the freedom to create space for a love that truly aligns with her worth.