There’s a fine line between fighting for someone and holding them back.

The line is all about knowing when to let go. Sure, it’s tough to let someone walk away when you still have feelings. But sometimes, the best thing you can do is to let them go.

Letting go isn’t about giving up or admitting defeat. It’s about understanding that some people are better off without us, and vice versa.

I’m Lachlan Brown, the founder of Hack Spirit, and I’ve been there. I’ve faced these tough decisions and learned from them. Now, I’m here to share with you 9 situations in life where the best thing you can do is let someone go.

Trust me, it’s not easy but sometimes, it’s necessary. Let’s dive in.

1) When their happiness doesn’t include you

This might be one of the toughest situations to face. It’s when you realize that the person you care about is happier without you.

It’s not easy to accept, but it’s crucial to their well-being and yours. Holding onto someone who is better off without you can only lead to resentment and hurt feelings.

You see, love isn’t just about being happy together. It’s about wanting the best for the other person, even if that means letting them go.

I’ve seen countless people struggle with this situation. But those who make the tough choice to let go often find that it opens up a path to their own happiness.

So if you find yourself in a position where your loved one seems happier without you, it might be time to let them go. 

2) When your paths diverge

In Buddhism, we often talk about the concept of impermanence. It’s the understanding that life is constantly changing and nothing stays the same forever.

As a student of Buddhism, I’ve come to realize the importance of this concept, especially when it comes to relationships.

Sometimes, two people start a journey together but end up walking on divergent paths. You might have different goals, dreams, or values that pull you in separate directions.

When this happens, insisting on staying together can lead to disappointment and conflict. It can prevent both of you from reaching your full potential and living authentic lives.

It’s not easy to acknowledge this divergence, but it’s crucial for your growth and happiness.

Sometimes, letting go is the most compassionate thing you can do for both of you.

3) When the relationship becomes toxic

I’ve been there. I’ve been in a relationship that started off great but turned toxic over time. It’s a tough spot to be in, especially when you still care about the person involved.

A toxic relationship is characterized by patterns of abuse, manipulation, or constant conflict. These patterns can be destructive to your mental and emotional well-being.

Realizing that you’re in a toxic relationship is half the battle. And once you’ve recognized it, the next step is finding the courage to walk away.

On Hack Spirit, I’ve learned and shared a lot about personal growth and emotional health. And one thing I can tell you is this: no amount of love justifies staying in a relationship that harms you.

4) When attachment becomes suffering

One of the core principles in Buddhism is the concept of non-attachment. It’s the understanding that clinging to people, things, or ideas can lead to suffering.

As an expert in Buddhism, I’ve delved deep into this concept. And in my book, “Hidden Secrets of Buddhism: How To Live With Maximum Impact and Minimum Ego”, I discuss how non-attachment can lead to a more fulfilling life. You can find my book on Amazon here.

Sometimes, our attachment to a person can become a source of unhappiness. We might cling to them out of fear of being alone, or because we think we can’t live without them.

But this kind of attachment is unhealthy and leads to suffering.

Letting go doesn’t mean you stop caring about the person. It just means you’re choosing not to let your happiness depend on them.

Remember, non-attachment is not about being detached or indifferent. It’s about understanding that you can care deeply for someone without clinging to them.

And sometimes, letting go is the best way to embody this principle.

5) When holding on prevents new relationships

It might sound counterintuitive, but sometimes holding onto a past relationship can prevent you from finding new connections.

Whether it’s an ex-partner or a lost friend, holding on to what was can blind us to the opportunities that are right in front of us. It can stop us from meeting new people and forming meaningful connections.

So, if you find yourself stuck in the past, it might be time to let go. Remember, life is full of potential relationships waiting to happen. Don’t let one person from your past stop you from exploring them.

6) When you’re living in a state of constant craving

In Buddhism, we talk about the concept of ‘Tanha’ or ‘craving’. It’s this constant desire for something different, something more, something else.

I’ve come to realize that this craving can be a major source of suffering, especially when it relates to people.

Sometimes, we can crave for someone’s attention, affection or validation so much that it consumes us. We become entangled in this constant longing and lose sight of the present moment.

In such situations, letting go can be a liberating experience. It can free you from the chains of desire and allow you to live more authentically and peacefully.

Remember, the Buddha taught that the root of all suffering is desire. So if your craving for someone is causing you distress, it might be time to let go and find peace within yourself.

7) When the relationship hinders personal growth

I’ve been in a situation where a relationship was holding me back from realizing my full potential. It’s a difficult realization to come to, but an important one.

A healthy relationship should encourage growth for both individuals involved. It should be a source of strength, not a barrier.

But sometimes, a relationship can become a roadblock to personal development. It can limit your opportunities, stifle your creativity, or hold you back from pursuing your dreams.

If this is the case, it’s time to consider letting go because moving forward means leaving certain people behind.

Remember, you owe it to yourself to become the best version of you that you can be. Don’t let anyone stand in the way of that.

8) When letting go means loving more

Sounds counterintuitive, doesn’t it? But sometimes, letting go of someone can be the most profound act of love you can offer.

I’ve learned that love isn’t just about keeping someone close. It’s about doing what’s best for them, even if it means creating distance.

There are situations where your presence might not be beneficial for the other person. Maybe they need space to grow, or perhaps they need to learn how to be independent.

In such cases, holding on can do more harm than good. Letting go, on the other hand, can provide the person with the freedom and opportunity they need to flourish.

Remember, love is selfless. If letting go is what’s best for the person you care about, then it might just be the most loving thing you can do.

9) When attachment breeds suffering

In Buddhism, there’s a fundamental principle called the ‘Four Noble Truths’. The second truth states that the cause of suffering is attachment.

Sometimes, our attachment to someone can breed suffering. We might fear losing them, worry about their well-being excessively, or feel responsible for their happiness.

This kind of attachment can be draining and can lead to a lot of emotional distress. It’s not healthy for you or the person you’re attached to.

In such situations, letting go can be a relief. It can free you and the other person from unnecessary pain and suffering.

Sometimes, reducing attachment is key to ending suffering. So if your attachment to someone is causing pain, it might be time to let them go.

Wrapping up

Letting go is never easy. It can be painful and confusing. But as we’ve seen, sometimes it’s the best thing you can do for yourself and the other person.

Remember, letting go doesn’t mean forgetting or feeling indifferent. It’s about releasing emotional attachments that cause suffering and embracing the possibilities that lie ahead.

In my book, “Hidden Secrets of Buddhism: How To Live With Maximum Impact and Minimum Ego”, I delve deeper into these principles.

So if you’re struggling with letting go, remember you’re not alone. It’s a part of life we all face at some point.

But with understanding and courage, you can navigate this challenging process and come out stronger on the other side.