Should You Give Someone a Second Chance?

Whether a relationship is a friendship or a romantic one, there will be times when an argument or some other occurrence will test your relationship. Because of this, there are times, that one or both people in the relationship will have to decide whether to give the other person a second chance and hold on to the relationship or to sever ties and end it.

It's up to you to decide what you want to do and nobody else. However,  you need to live with your decision until the next time that something comes up to challenge the relationship again.

Here are some questions to ask yourself when you're in this situation. They'll help you to rationally decide whether or not to give the other person a second chance and stay with the relationship or discontinue it. Your answers will lead you in the right direction.

• How long have you known this person?
• Is the other person a family member or relative? (blood can be thicker than water, but not always)
• How extensive of a history do you have in this relationship and has it been rewarding to you?
• Has the other person demonstrated this behavior before?
• Has the other person demonstrated that they learn from past mistakes and grow as a person?
• Is the other person generally a Taker or a Giver? 
• Has your relationship been solid up to this point?
• What is the severity of the other person's poor behavior in this situation?
• Does the other person enhance your life, have no effect or detract from it?
• Are you happier with or can you be happier without this person?
• How many second chances have you already given this person?
• How close in proximity do you live to this person?
• How often do you have to see him or her?

It's important to remember that relationships naturally have ups and downs and both parties will be asking the same questions depending on who is the one who has been at fault in a situation. The best relationships are those that are mutually satisfying and not just one sided.

Sometimes, relationships can become stronger by enduring these ups and downs and others may fall apart. After answering these questions, you'll be able to make a thoughtful and rational decision about the future of your relationship. You may find that you are genuinely happier in the relationship or on the flip side, would be better by ending it.