"Inertia is when something will stay in the same position or keep going a certain way until forced to change. For example, a cinder block is not going to just suddenly say, "I'm outta here" and leave without being picked up by someone. Similarly, a hockey puck can keep sliding on ice until it hits a wall or the end of the ice. Inertia started off as a physics concept, but can really apply to all things physical and nonphysical."
"One example is relationship inertia, where you stay with the same significant other simply because nothing has forced you to reconsider your relationship or change. You remain stuck to this partner even though you may not be super-happy or super-sure whether this person is right for you. In fact, you may even know for sure that this partner fits you about as well as a pair of skinny jeans three sizes too small."
Relationship inertia occurs when partners remain together simply because nothing forces change. Inertia means staying in the same position or continuing a pattern until an external force demands change. Physical examples include a cinder block that will not move without being picked up and a hockey puck that slides until it hits a wall; the concept applies equally to emotional relationships. Staying due to inertia can leave partners stuck, unhappy, or mismatched. Leaving requires activation energy, honest evaluation, difficult conversations, preparation, and effort. Scheduling periodic relationship re-evaluations can prompt necessary course corrections.
Read at Psychology Today
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