How to Resolve a Love Triangle and Move On With Your Life

PDF download Download Article
Expertly navigate this complicated relationship dynamic
PDF download Download Article

Whether you’re seeing two people or just discovered your partner is in another relationship, being in a love triangle can be a difficult situation. However, like almost all interpersonal issues, it can be resolved with self-reflection and honest communication. We spoke with relationship expert Joshua Pompey to get the best tips on how to resolve a love triangle, plus how to move on. Keep reading to move to the next phase of your romantic journey.

Things You Should Know

  • Think about what the relationship means to you and whether it’s worth continuing or not. Take everyone’s feelings into account, but ultimately make the best decision for you.
  • Tell the other person (or people) how you honestly feel and how you want to move forward.
  • Learn from the experience by paying attention to how you felt and asking yourself where the feelings came from.
Part 1
Part 1 of 3:

Deciding to Continue or End the Relationship

PDF download Download Article
  1. Every relationship serves a different purpose, whether they’re healthy or not. Think about how the person does or does not meet your needs, how you feel around them, and what leaving the relationship would mean. [1]
    • If you don’t feel totally comfortable in the relationship, that’s a good sign you should end it.
    • If you’re seeing two people, think about each relationship and compare them to each other. Consider your history with each person, if you share property or children with them, if your family likes them, if you can see a future with them, etc.
  2. Ask yourself what it would be like to leave or stay in the relationship. If it’s really important to you, consider what you would do to make it work. [2] Some people solve their love triangles by practicing ethical non-monogamy, instead of ending the relationships. [3]
    • Think about how your decisions will affect your friends, family, and the other person you’re seeing (if you’re in the center of the triangle).
    • Discussing your options with a counselor or therapist can help you feel more confident in your decision.
    • If you're the target of emotional, sexual, or physical abuse as a result of the love triangle, seek help from a trusted friend, your healthcare provider, a crisis shelter, a counseling center, or the court system. [4] If you are in danger, contact your local police.
    Advertisement
  3. Common emotional responses to being in a love triangle include confusion, guilt, division of love, constant pressure, and loneliness. [5] These are valid responses, and they don't make you a bad person.
    • Feelings don’t have to be justified—they aren’t right or wrong.
    • When the pain you feel upon trying to leave the love triangle is greater than the pain you feel for staying, you may take this to mean that this person is "the only one" for you. But that's not likely the case.
    • The pain of leaving is not a reliable indication of true love. Your painful feelings might be based on fear of being alone or memories of the relationship the way it used to be.
  4. Oftentimes, someone in the relationship has had their trust broken. Your outcomes all likely have painful parts—but don’t let that stop you from acting. In this scenario, you need the best outcome for you, not the perfect outcome. [6]
    • Instead of thinking “How can I win this relationship?” think: “What possible result best meets my needs/helps me grow?”
    5. Advertisement
Part 2
Part 2 of 3:

Having a Conversation With Your Partner(s)

PDF download Download Article
  1. According to dating coach Joshua Pompey: “At the end of the day, you’re just gonna have to figure out who it is you want to be with and be honest with the other person.” [7] As hard as it may be, make the decision based on how you honestly feel.
    • If all three members don’t know about the love triangle, share that information.
    • If you’ve discovered you’re in a love triangle and want to end the relationship with the central person, say something like “I understand that relationships are fluid, but I don’t want to do something like this.”
    • If you want to stay with someone and be exclusive, tell them that you still want to be with them, but that you two have to set boundaries about what other relationships you can have.
    • Reader Poll: We asked 1198 wikiHow readers, and 54% agreed that the best way to handle conflicts in your relationship is to work through conflicts until you find a resolution together . [Take Poll]
  2. This is a tricky subject, so hold space for the other person by giving them your undivided attention and actively listening to them. Use “I” statements to speak to your own experience and help make the other person more comfortable. [8]
    • You could say something like “I understand that relationships are fluid, but right now I only want to be in something exclusive,” or “I care about you very deeply, and my relationship with someone else doesn’t speak to my love for you, but I want to hear how this is making you feel.”
  3. It may be painful, but being in a love triangle doesn’t make you a bad person. Own up to whatever got you into this situation and be confident in whatever you do to get out of it. [9]
    • You may choose to stay in the love triangle. While unconventional, polyamory may be the option that works best for you, and that is fine. The important thing about remaining in a love triangle is that it's chosen by all three parties - but the same thing is true of two-person relationships as well! [10]
    • Whether you choose to leave or stay, remember that this is a choice you made, not one that's forced upon you. While finding yourself in a love triangle might not have been your choice, you have control over your response to it.
    4. Advertisement
Part 3
Part 3 of 3:

Taking Care of Yourself

PDF download Download Article
  1. It can be easy to sink into feelings of shame, guilt, and anger at yourself or others. Let yourself feel your feelings without judgment, then ask yourself where they came from. Keep asking until the answers start feeling uncomfortable: many truths are hard to face. [11]
    • Write your feelings in a journal , where you are safe to explore your emotions without hurting another person.
    • Crying, hitting something soft, and screaming into your pillow are all good ways to relieve pressure when your feelings are overwhelming.
    • Take some time apart from the person with whom you're angry. Sometimes a short walk around the block will suffice. Other times, you may need to ask them to take some space.
  2. Feelings of guilt and worthlessness are common among all parties involved in a love triangle. When these feelings arise, don't allow them to consume you. Instead, notice that they're present, and let them go. [12]
    • Remember that it's your actions that matter in dealing with a love triangle. Your feelings are likely to change, but your actions can impact yourself and others forever.
    • A lot of anger comes from mourning events that have not yet come to pass. For example, thinking about lonely holidays yet to come, or being alone in old age, can be the source of much suffering. Remember that none of us can predict the future, and no matter what it looks like now, your life circumstances are still a work in progress.
  3. Pompey says that doing things that make you happy, like hanging out with friends or having hobbies makes you “slowly start to feel like life is good and…fun [even] without that person still in the picture.” [13]
    • To Pompey, the best way to get over someone is, surprisingly enough, to start dating again—“the more people you go out with, the more [your relationship will] be in the rearview mirror and you'll be able to get over it.” [14] Of course, only do this if you feel ready.
  4. Therapists are professionally trained listeners. Seeing one can help you get to the root of your problems, overcome emotional obstacles, and make positive changes. [15]
    • If you feel you may have an addiction to sexual relationships, consider joining a 12-step program or a mental health therapist to help you better understand your behavior.
    • If you find yourself feeling violent as a result of a love triangle, immediately seek professional help from a therapist.
    5. Advertisement

Expert Q&A

Search
Add New Question
  • Question
    Is it bad to be in a love triangle?
    Joshua Pompey
    Relationship Expert
    Joshua Pompey is a Relationship Expert and Founder of Next Evolution Matchmaking (NEM) based in New York City, NY. With over 15 years in the industry, Joshua helps his clients navigate online dating and has a success rate of over 99%. His work has been featured in CNBC, Good Morning America, Wired, and Refinery29 and he has been referred to as the best online dater in the world.
    Joshua Pompey
    Relationship Expert
    Expert Answer
    It may be bad if you are unable to make a decision. If you try to juggle things with both people, it's just going to wind up hurting somebody or both parties, and in the end you're going to be the one that's left alone. Sometimes you might like both people, but at the end of the day, you have to figure out who it is you want to be with, and be honest with the other person.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 19 Helpful 45
Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
      Advertisement

      Video

      Read Video Transcript

      Tips

      • Don't allow yourself to be caught up in moral judgments regarding love triangles. Condemning your behavior or the actions of another person is unlikely to help in dealing with a love triangle.
        Thanks
        Helpful 1 Not Helpful 1

      Tips from our Readers

      The advice in this section is based on the lived experiences of wikiHow readers like you. If you have a helpful tip you’d like to share on wikiHow, please submit it in the field below.
      • Putting judgements aside, people can get hurt from this dysfunctional dynamic. Making one person happy is difficult enough, having two just makes things more difficult. If the relationship is over, see it for what it is. Say good bye to your past love, and embark on something new with someone else.
      • If you’re the person being fought over, you’re in the best position to end it. You shouldn’t be ashamed about being in this situation, but remember that your choice can hurt someone, so be very careful to make one that you can be happy with.
      Submit a Tip
      All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
      Name
      Please provide your name and last initial
      Submit
      Thanks for submitting a tip for review!
      Advertisement

      You Might Also Like

      How to
      Tell if He Really Loves You
      What to Do When Your Boyfriend Has a Girl Best Friend
      How to
      Know when a Girl Is Using You
      How to
      Tell if a Guy Is Playing With Your Feelings
      How to
      Know if the Boy You Love Is a Player
      How to
      Choose Between Two Girls
      How to
      Date Multiple Women at Once
      How to
      Tell if It's Real Love or Just Sex
      How to
      Spot a Gold Digger
      How to
      Have a Casual Relationship
      How to
      Tell if a Girl Is Using You
      How to
      Know if You Are Ready for a Relationship
      How to
      Make a Girl Who Is Really Mad at You Forgive You
      Commitment in Relationships: What Does It Mean?
      Advertisement

      Expert Interview

      Thanks for reading our article! If you’d like to learn more about relationships, check out our in-depth interview with Joshua Pompey .

      References

      1. ↑ https://www.thecouplescenter.org/should-i-stay-or-should-i-go/
      2. ↑ https://www.thecouplescenter.org/should-i-stay-or-should-i-go/
      3. ↑ https://psyche.co/guides/how-to-explore-ethical-non-monogamy-with-care-and-kindness
      4. ↑ http://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/adult-health/in-depth/domestic-violence/art-20048397?pg=2
      5. ↑ https://dralexandrasolomon.com/caught-two-loves-three-questions-can-ask-help-get-unstuck/
      6. ↑ Joshua Pompey. Relationship Expert. Expert Interview. 27 November 2019.
      7. ↑ Joshua Pompey. Relationship Expert. Expert Interview. 27 November 2019.
      8. ↑ https://www.bumc.bu.edu/facdev-medicine/files/2011/08/I-messages-handout.pdf
      9. ↑ Joshua Pompey. Relationship Expert. Expert Interview. 27 November 2019.
      1. ↑ Joshua Pompey. Dating Coach. Expert Interview. 27 November 2019.
      2. ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/evolution-the-self/201702/6-reasons-why-you-may-not-know-what-youre-feeling
      3. ↑ https://wisdomcenter.uchicago.edu/news/discussions/wise-mind-how-logical-reasoning-can-help-manage-emotions
      4. ↑ Joshua Pompey. Dating Coach. Expert Interview. 27 November 2019.
      5. ↑ Joshua Pompey. Dating Coach. Expert Interview. 27 November 2019.
      6. ↑ http://www.helpguide.org/articles/emotional-health/finding-a-therapist-who-can-help-you-heal.htm

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      Being in a love triangle can be complicated, but there are things you can do to deal with the situation in a healthy way and move forward. Start by taking some time apart from the triangle to explore your feelings and process the situation. Try writing in a journal or talking to someone you trust to help you work through your feelings. Be honest with yourself and consider all of your options before deciding to stay in the love triangle or leave it. Then, communicate your decision openly and honestly so everyone can manage their expectations. If you decide to leave the triangle, focus on accepting what happened and moving on with your life. This can be a tough situation, but healthy distractions like exercise and throwing yourself into your hobbies can really help. If you’re struggling with your emotions, remember that feelings of confusion, guilt, and loneliness are normal reactions. It's okay to cry, or to hit something soft, if you feel overwhelmed. Don't hesitate to speak to a therapist if you’re struggling to move forward. For information about how to seek counseling to deal with your love triangle, keep reading!

      Did this summary help you?
      In other languages
      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 310,009 times.

      Reader Success Stories

      • Anonymous

        Nov 2, 2017

        "Noting that much emotional turmoil relates to the 'loss' of future, not-yet-existing events seems ..." more
      More reader stories Hide reader stories
      Share your story

      Did this article help you?

      Advertisement