Top 5 Reasons Women Stay With Mr. Wrong - And What To Do About It

"Should I Stay Or Should I Go?" is more than just the title of a hit from one of my favorite bands - it's also a question that everyone will find themselves asking about a relationship at some point in their lives. In addition to the queries I suggested asking yourself last time, like "Am I staying in this relationship out of genuine love, or simply because it's easy?," here are three more tips to guide you through the defining moment of determining the future of a relationship:

• Don't blow things out of proportion. In the jargon of therapists and other experts, the tendency to convince yourself that a situation is worse than it really is is known as "catastrophizing." In the face of a potential breakup, take a step back and try to observe your situation from an objective point of view. Are you staying out of an irrational fear that leaving the relationship means being alone forever? Are you worried that you won't be able to survive without someone to take care of you? If you catch yourself buying into one of these ideas, or a similarly limiting belief, it's time for a major reality check. Remind yourself that you're perfectly capable of taking a leap into the unknown and landing upright. Then jump.
• See if absence really does make the heart grow fonder. Taking a break from a relationship is a great way to put things into perspective. Once you're removed from the pressure of the situation, ask yourself honestly if you miss your partner and the connection you share. If you do, then consider working on the relationship and giving it a second chance. If, on the other hand, you find yourself enjoying your freedom, it's time to take the plunge and end things.
• Make a list. Check it twice. Is your sweetie naughty or nice? It may not be technologically advanced, but it's effective: write one list of what works in your relationship, and another list detailing what doesn't work. Once your lists are finished, use them to determine what needs to be changed in order for the relationship to work for you, then discuss it with your partner. If he's receptive to your ideas, the relationship might be salvageable. If not, you've proved to yourself that it's time to move on.

Follow these tips, and you'll be well equipped to dump the wrong guy as soon as you realize he isn't right for you. The sooner you can ditch the frogs, the faster you can find the prince.