Relationships: When is it time to say goodbye?Relationships: When is it time to say goodbye?
The Urban Therapist Podcast, with Host Eddie G. Hall, Jr.
A panel of mental health and health professionals talk about recognising when a relationship has stopped being safe or healthy and what it means to choose yourself by saying goodbye. The conversation spans trauma, faith, marriage, dating and self‑respect, with a strong focus on safety and identity.
1:05:12•6 Sept 2026
Relationships and Goodbyes: Knowing When It’s Time to Walk Away
Episode Overview
- A key sign it may be time to leave is when staying in the relationship means repeatedly abandoning your own needs, values or sense of self.
- Emotional, mental, spiritual, physical and financial safety are essential; ongoing violations of these boundaries are strong reasons to step away.
- Individuals with trauma are encouraged to work on their healing rather than relying on a partner to carry or fix their pain.
- Knowing and stating personal deal breakers and non‑negotiables early on can prevent long‑term resentment and self‑betrayal.
- It is presented as acceptable, and sometimes necessary, to say goodbye to relationships that no longer bring out the best in you, regardless of external pressure.
“"I think you know it's time to say goodbye when staying in the relationship requires you to keep saying goodbye to yourself." – Dr Derek Smith”
What makes a recovery story truly inspiring? On The Urban Therapist, host Eddie G. Hall Jr. pulls together a sharp, honest panel to tackle a question many people quietly wrestle with: when is it time to say goodbye to a relationship? Across dating, marriage and even friendships, the group keeps coming back to one core theme: if staying means losing yourself, something’s gone badly off track.
Therapist Mimi C talks about the central role of safety, stressing emotional, mental, spiritual and even financial safety as non‑negotiables. If a relationship constantly triggers old wounds instead of supporting healing, she suggests that cutting ties may be the healthiest choice.
Chaplain and Christian therapist Nidra T notes that a big warning sign is when you look in the mirror and barely recognise who you’ve become: snapping when you’re usually calm, broke when you used to be steady, or compromising values you once held firm. For those in recovery or living with trauma, she stresses the importance of doing personal work rather than hoping a partner will “fix” everything.
Nurse and fitness coach Shoni T shares candidly about realising her marriage had to end when she couldn’t even trust her spouse to make medical decisions on her behalf. Dr Earl Robert Lattimore adds that relationships at every level – business, friendship, romance – should bring out the best in you, not drain your dignity or peace.
The episode closes with a powerful reflection from marriage and family therapist Dr Derek Smith, reminding anyone stuck in a damaging bond that “covenant is not codependency”. If you’ve ever stayed because you felt guilty, scared of being alone or pressured by faith or family, this conversation might help you ask a hard but life‑saving question: is it time to choose yourself and say goodbye?
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