This week it was reported that a woman living with her boyfriend in the county was sentenced to 20 years in prison for shooting him after they engaged in an argument.

The woman, 41-year-old Alina Lamey, will now spend a large part of her remaining years behind bars.

Item coverage of the case states she and her boyfriend had engaged in an argument in January of last year. During the course of that day she reportedly fired several shots from a handgun at the man, who was in the backyard.

One of those shots hit him in the back, leading to his death, and her subsequent conviction.

Relationships can be tough. There are times when a couple may decide that they have had enough of the negative aspects that come with unhealthy relationships. That is the time to leave, not resort to violence.

Most of the time, people will opt to walk away from such a relationship. Sometimes they decide to stick around, thinking they can fix whatever is wrong.

Leaving the situation may not seem like the most comfortable option, but by avoiding the use of violence will keep you out of jail.

Unfortunately, life does not come with an instruction booklet to help people identify how relationships should work.

Most of that is learned through trial and error, but today some resources exist to help identify when relationship problems can be either worked out, or the relationship should be brought to a conclusion.

But if a violent act seems like the best way to solve a problem, it might just be time to move on with your life and find a new mate.