Cupid's Pulse Article: Celebrity Breakup: Ryan Seacrest and Julianne Hough Call It Quits After 2 YearsCupid's Pulse Article: Celebrity Breakup: Ryan Seacrest and Julianne Hough Call It Quits After 2 Years

By Jessica Conigliaro

American Idol judge Ryan Seacrest and longtime girlfriend Julianne Hough recently ended things. Hough could not handle dating a workaholic, thus ending their two-year relationship. “It’s a lifestyle she couldn’t handle anymore. Work always, always came first [for Ryan]. She wants a more lowkey life,” a source tells UsMagazine.com.

How do you know when to call it quits in a long-term relationship?

Cupid’s Advice:

You have been dating your partner for a while now and feel comfortable being around him. However, something just doesn’t feel the same anymore. He treats you with less respect and you are left questioning the relationship. Cupid’s here to help you make the tough decision:

1. Opposing goals: After dating your boyfriend for over a year, you decide it’s a good time to discuss the idea of marriage. To your surprise, he completely dismisses the conversation, saying he’s ‘not the married type’. What do you do now? If you and your partner clearly want different things in the future, end the relationship as soon as you can. Never stay with someone that will hold you back from what you truly want–you will eventually resent them for it. Find someone that wants similar things in their future as you do. Searching for that person may take a bit of time, but the end result will be ever so rewarding.

2. Negative behavior changes: Unfortunately, people often change for the worse. Your partner got a promotion at work last year and has been stressed out for months. Instead of talking about his problems, he just takes out all his anger on you and starts unnecessary arguments. When the person you are with stops respecting you the way he used to, write it down in a journal. If you find yourself constantly jotting down your troubles, this is your cue to leave the relationship. Keeping tallies also reassures that you are not making any rash decisions; the problem is a recurring one, and is unlikely to go away. End things before they get even worse.

3. Pile of lies: Throughout your 2-year relationship, you were always suspicious of your man lying to you on occasion. He would never confess to leaving a mess in the kitchen, or forgetting to turn the T.V off before bed. In the past, the lies were so small that you disregarded them completely. If there’s a small problem in your relationship, address it before it becomes worse. If you ignore the little nuances, your partner’s tiny fibs will get increasingly worse, leaving you hurt mad at yourself for ignoring the signs. If an issue in your relationship is drastically escalating beyond your control, it might be time to consider walking away entirely. Some problems simply can’t be fixed.

How do you know when to end serious relationships? Share in the comments below:Â