That Ship Has Sailed: Break Free from Obligationships and Find Real Connections
Not every relationship is built to last—and that’s okay. Discover how to let go of duty-bound connections and reclaim your freedom to connect authentically.
About the Book
Some relationships serve a season, some a lifetime—and then there are those connections we hold on to out of obligation, even when they’ve run their course. That Ship Has Sailed is a guide for recognizing and releasing these “obligationships”—the subtle, often invisible bonds we maintain not from choice, but from guilt, duty, or fear of change.
In this book, Riley G. Staliger takes you on a journey of self-discovery and relational freedom. Through engaging stories, real-life examples, and thoughtful quizzes, you’ll learn to identify the connections in your life that no longer serve your growth. Whether it's a draining friendship, an outdated commitment, or familial expectations, That Ship Has Sailed offers tools to navigate these relationships with clarity and compassion—without guilt or resentment.
This book isn’t about cutting people off or running away from responsibilities. It’s about moving forward intentionally, embracing relationships rooted in mutual respect and genuine choice.
What You'll Discover in the Book
The Signs of an Obligationship: Learn to recognize the subtle markers of relationships driven by duty, not desire.
Why Letting Go Is Necessary: Explore the emotional freedom that comes from releasing what no longer serves you—and how it opens space for healthier connections.
How to Say No Without Guilt: Practical tools for setting boundaries that feel empowering, not confrontational.
Navigating Change with Grace: Tips for transitioning relationships without burning bridges or fostering resentment.
Real Connections, Real Joy: Insights into building relationships based on mutual respect, not invisible expectations.
Who This Book Is For
If you’ve ever felt trapped in a relationship out of guilt, felt weighed down by old friendships that no longer fit, or struggled to say no to obligations that don’t align with your true self—this book is for you. Whether you’re reevaluating friendships, family dynamics, or romantic relationships, That Ship Has Sailed will help you shift from obligation to intention, fostering connections built on mutual choice.
Why Obligationships Matter
We live in a world that often values loyalty over well-being. Many of us hold onto relationships that have long since expired out of a sense of duty or fear of being perceived as selfish. Yet freedom and peace come not from clinging, but from knowing when—and how—to let go.
That Ship Has Sailed offers a refreshing perspective: It’s okay to outgrow relationships. It’s okay to say no. And it’s okay to choose joy over obligation.
Ready to Set Sail?
If you’re ready to stop drifting in relationships that don’t align with your growth and start charting a course toward real connections, this book is your compass. Every chapter is designed to inspire reflection and action, with quizzes and prompts to help you apply these ideas in your daily life.
Because real freedom isn’t just breaking away from what holds you back—it’s choosing what brings you forward.
This book helped me identify and break free from my obligationships, leading to authentic connections.
Emily R.
I finally understand the difference between obligation and genuine connection. This book is a lifesaver!
Mark T.
