“I wish I had the courage to end things sooner.”

Weve all been there: A long-simmeringrelationship issuebubbles to the surface.

In the heat of the moment, we say things we dont mean.

A woman sitting in front of a window with her head in her hands

Other times, were too scared or too proud to clearly communicate our needs.

We were newlyweds, and I had just given birth to our daughter.

Becoming a new wife and mom, I let societal expectations and pressure completely screw with my head.

Conceptual image of a woman and man, separated by the shadows on the wall, yet standing next to one another, their backs are facing the camera

I thought I had to be this super mom and wife, perfect in every way.

I put impossible daily tasks on myself and got burnt out fast.

I ended our marriage because it seemed like the only way out of the stressful life I had created.

A woman contemplating divorce – moving her ring off her finger

I was so bitter and angry towards a person who just could not understand why.

Looking back, all I had to do was say the words to my ex-husband, I need help.

writerHolly Martyn

I wish I had the courage to end things sooner.

My regret is that I allowed a bad situation to go on too long.

In hindsight, I wish Id had the courage and self-awareness to confront the issue itself.

The biggest regret I have from my marriage is that I didnt have autonomy.

I created an unhealthy dynamic by seeing my husband as the more important person in our relationship.

I wish Id thought harder about my own accountability.

I assumed the end of the marriage would signal the beginning of perfection becausehewas the problem!

Our divorce was devastating for our kids, and from that perspective, its a big regret.

Lisa Lavia Ryan

I wish I had stood up for myself more.

I wish I would have fought for myself harder before the real problems began.

I am a much stronger person today than I was over 10 years ago when we divorced.

There are so many things I do differently in my second marriage.

I fight for me now because I realized I am worth it.

writer Trish Eklund

I wish I would have learned how to speak his love language.

I wish I had loved him the way he needed to be loved.

It wasnt until our divorce that I learned aboutthe five love languages.

Mine are physical touch and quality time, while his are acts of service and words of affirmation.

Looking back, I know that our love languages were in constant conflict.

writer Aubrey Keefer

I wish I had maintained my sense of independence.

I wish I hadnt lost myself to my partner.

If I could go back and do it all again, Id make myself more of a priority.

writer Eden Strong.undefined

This article originally appeared onHuffPost.