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What is a karmic relationship? -

Drawing on the Indian philosophy of karma, a karmic relationship is best described as an intense and unstable connection between two people.

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Unresolved issues -

People who believe in karmic relationships often think that they arise as the result of unresolved issues in the partners’ previous lives.

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Not clinically recognized -

Although the concept of a karmic relationship is not clinically recognized, some people find it useful to put a name to this sort of connection.

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In modern terms -

Indeed, karmic relationships can be very tricky to navigate. In modern terms, they may be described as codependent, toxic, or even abusive.

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Platonic or romantic -

A karmic relationship can either be romantic or platonic, meaning that it can develop between friends or people who are more than friends.

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Rapid onset of emotions -

Generally, it starts very quickly, with a rapid onset of strong emotions. It doesn’t take long, however, for things to go south and the relationship to end up volatile and distant.

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Signs to look out for -

If you suspect you may be in a karmic relationship, a key sign to watch out for is swinging between extremes.

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Swinging between extremes -

If you feel that your relationship changes from being the best thing possible to the worst thing possible quickly and repeatedly, it might be a sign.

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Excessive effort -

Another common theme in karmic relationships is that the participants spend a huge amount of their time and energy working on the relationship.

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No time for yourself -

This often means that they have no time for personal growth or for working on their other, normally healthier, relationships.

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Arguments and breakups -

Repeated arguments and promises to end the relationship are also common, as well as fiery breakups and quick reunions.

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Karmic relationship or twin flame? -

You may be wondering whether a karmic relationship has anything to do with the concept of a twin flame.

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Strong similarities -

Indeed, both concepts are characterized by the rapid onset of intense emotions, a feeling that when you’re with the other person it’s ‘meant to be.’

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Key difference -

However, there is a key difference: karmic relationships are fated to unravel into conflict and turbulence, whereas twin flame relationships are supposedly based on mutual understanding and growth.

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Caveat -

That is not to say that all twin flame connections are inherently positive, however, since it depends heavily on the individual relationship.

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Signs it's coming to an end -

If you think that your karmic relationship may be coming to an end, there are certain signs to look out for.

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Less investment -

Firstly, you may notice that your partner is spending more time focusing on their personal life and investing less time in the relationship.

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Fewer highs, more lows -

You may sense that after the initial rush of the relationship, the high points are no longer so thrilling, and the arguments are more frequent.

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Exhaustion -

You may also feel exhausted with all the relationship’s ups and downs. Ultimately, this is what causes karmic relationships to finally end.

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The bottom line -

No one can realistically tolerate the level of conflict in a karmic relationship long-term. So, sooner or later, one of the arguments will be the last.

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How to end a karmic relationship -

If you want to end your karmic relationship, there are strategies you can use to end it effectively. Firstly, communicate clearly with your partner about what you will and will not tolerate.

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Enforce boundaries -

In order to enforce boundaries, you may need to cut off contact with your partner, perhaps by deleting their number and/or blocking them on social media.

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Make a plan -

Next up is setting an actionable break-up plan. Make a plan for how you will spend your time and work on yourself when the relationship comes to an end.

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Consider the practicalities -

Think about the practical matters too, such as finding a new place to live if you currently share a home with your partner.

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Use your network -

It is important to lean on your support system, too. Reach out to your friends and family who will help and support you in your journey of recovery.

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Avoid badmouthing -

These people should try not to badmouth or insult your partner in any way, since this can actually set the healing process back by triggering defensiveness.

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Healing from a karmic relationship -

Bear in mind that healing from a karmic relationship can take time and considerable amounts of work. Be kind to yourself during the process.

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Practice self-care -

Lean into your self-care activities, whatever they may be, and try to establish a healthy routine that can help you restore a level of normalcy to your life.

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All for the greater good? -

Some people believe that despite the challenges of a karmic relationship, ultimately both participants will learn something and come out better people on the other side.

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For the best -

Whether or not there is any truth in that, it is clear that karmic relationships are ultimately unhealthy and it is best for both parties if they are put to bed.

Sources: (Forbes)

See also: The sad reasons why some good relationships don't last

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