Maybe they left then went back, and this back and forth happened repeatedly over the years.

You're doing your best to be supportive; you're there to listen to their complaints, to affirm their worth, and to validate that, yes, they are not overreacting.  

One day, they seemed to finally "get it." The two of you excitedly hatched a plan for them to leave and build a new life.  

You are relieved that their nightmare is finally over.

But your hope is short-lived.

Right before your eyes, in the not-so-distant future, they do a 180 and choose to stay.  

They now claim that the relationship isn't as bad as it sounds and that "maybe I should take some blame too."

They might even stop talking to you because you know too much.

You're left wondering what's going on — why are they so stuck when leaving is the obvious choice?

The psychology behind this baffling phenomenon is more complex than it looks.

Learning what it is can help you support this person you care about better and, at a minimum, alleviate some of your frustrations towards their behavior when they don't leave.  

This episode covers why people get "stuck" in toxic relationships and the key to getting free.  

If you know someone feeling stuck, please share the video with them so they know they are not alone in dealing with these feelings. It will also help them understand that they can feel these feelings and still choose to leave when they are ready.