Criticism about your partner’s clothing, behavior, and habits may feel like innocent comments but they can ultimately snowball into discontent. So instead of explaining your piece, you hide the anger and all the emotion, and let bygones be bygones until you have nothing else to say about every aspect of your relationship. Even in your most heated arguments, you should still be thankful if both of you still care enough to actually talk about what’s wrong. As your life moves forward, you might find yourself prioritizing things that have nothing to do with your relationship.
It can be difficult to accept when a relationship is coming to an end, but recognizing the signs early on can prevent further heartache. Here are some key indicators that your relationship may be over:
Being physically and emotionally distant from each other hollows out a relationship to the point that you are merely roommates. Of course, there’s nothing wrong with having a platonic roommate, but you need to work on developing intimacy if what you want is a close romantic relationship. Being in a relationship is causing declines in your mental health. One of the most critical signs a relationship needs to end is that your partner negatively affects your mental wellbeing. If day after day, you feel sadder, angrier, more anxious, or have more negative thoughts about yourself, holding onto that failing relationship may be the worst thing you can do. When you notice that type of sign your relationship is harming you, it’s almost always best to get out of it and move on.
Then be honest with yourself and explore the possibility that you’re equally to blame for your current relationship hiccup. Please let sleeping dogs lie if your breakup count is in the double digits. You two may be “in lust” with one another, but for whatever reason, you’re not compatible in any responsible or serious way.
Furthermore, you should value yourself enough not to remain with a partner who is not good for you. The right relationship will inspire and uplift you as an individual, not cause you to question who you are or what you’re worth constantly. And sometimes, we may stick around longer than we should, even if there are red flags, like feeling disgusted by a partner or feeling like your partner never puts you first. If you find yourself feeling like you have to pretend or hide certain parts of yourself to feel secure in the relationship, cut and run. “This is a tough indication to identify, and you’ll only notice it if you’re really honest with yourself,” says Cook-McKay.
When relationships begin, partners typically share similar core values, life goals, and future visions. For instance, one person may desire children while the other remains firmly childfree. Or, spiritual/religious differences once deemed minor could widen into vast chasms.
There can be hope with compromise, but without that, the warning signs are hard to ignore. Your partner should not have to be your only cheerleader, and there may be plenty of types of news—an amazing bargain on that item you wanted! —that you naturally share with another friend first, perhaps because that friend has a mutual interest or is closer to the situation. If you’re in a secure, healthy, loving relationship, it’s natural to begin to plan for the future.
Lack of Communication
One of the most common signs that a relationship is headed for failure is a lack of communication. If you and your partner are no longer able to communicate openly and honestly with each other, it may be a sign that the relationship has run its course.
Emotional Disconnection
Another red flag that your relationship may be over is a feeling of emotional disconnection. If you no longer feel connected to your partner on a deeper level or find yourself growing apart emotionally, it may be time to reevaluate the status of your relationship.
- Do you find yourself avoiding spending time with your partner?
- Are you no longer interested in their day-to-day activities or thoughts?
- Do you feel more like roommates than romantic partners?
Lack of Intimacy
Physical intimacy is an important aspect of any relationship, and a lack of intimacy can often signal trouble. If you and your partner no longer engage in physical affection or have lost interest in being intimate with each other, it may be a sign that the relationship is coming to an end.
- Have you noticed a decline in physical affection?
- Do you feel disconnected during intimate moments?
- Are you no longer attracted to your partner?
Ultimately, recognizing when a relationship is over is never easy, but paying attention to these signs can help you navigate this difficult time with clarity and self-awareness.
