Most couples have a bucket list of goals that they want to achieve, working on them together to accomplish their dual dreams. If your goals no longer align, or you don’t even think to factor your partner into your goals, it’s not a good sign. When your relationship is in a rocky place, it’s normal to want to steer clear of any confrontation, for fear that argument might actually spell the end. But when you’re fixated on someone, or always imagine being with someone else, it’s time to take a closer look.
One of the most difficult questions anyone can ask themselves is, “Is my relationship over?” It’s important to take a step back and evaluate the signs that may indicate the end of a relationship.
Communication Breakdown
One of the first red flags in a failing relationship is a breakdown in communication. If you find that you and your partner are no longer able to have meaningful conversations or are constantly arguing without resolution, it may be a sign that the relationship is coming to an end.
Lack of Intimacy
He has written extensively on the topics of life, relationships, and mental health for more than 8 years. You have probably spoken at length about the state of your relationship, but even beyond this, the people who love and care about you have noticed how down you seem about it. It is especially difficult when one person has a higher sex drive than the other. That person is then left sexually frustrated which can lead to all sorts of negative behaviors. It can be difficult to change your mindset regarding these things back to one where you don’t feel rage at them. It requires you to find your empathy and compassion for them once more.
One person wants to have adventures abroad, flying by the seat of their pants with a backpack for the next 10 years, whereas the other wants a baby and a picket fence as of yesterday. One person is okay with 80-hour workweeks in order to get where they want to be professionally, whereas the other wants dinner together every night. There can be hope with compromise, but without that, the warning signs are hard to ignore. Romantic relationships are like friendships in this way; spending time together may not always be fulfilling, but it shouldn’t be consistently draining over long periods of time. Sometimes time together is draining because one partner is going through something difficult—which is a natural part of the long-term reciprocity that relationships call for. Other times, one partner is a particularly demanding or needy person, which can occasionally be worked through if both partners are motivated.
A relationship is more than just two people co-existing in a space or raising children together. It’s a partnership where two people function as a unit and work as a team. In fact, you’ve already gone down the road of having a big heart-to-heart to air your feelings and grievances. Some couples become so exhausted by fighting that they simply stop, but that doesn’t mean that all is well—far from it. In these cases, they often stop sharing things with each other altogether, and have zero ability to bring up any sort of disagreement because they know that it will just spiral out of control.
Another key indicator that a relationship may be over is a lack of intimacy. Physical and emotional intimacy are crucial components of a healthy relationship, and if these aspects are lacking, it may be time to reevaluate the relationship.
For example, maybe your partner has a new group of friends you don’t like, or they have different habits, beliefs, or goals than when you first started dating. Only you can decide wheÂn too many things are broken beyond fixing. But, this guide can show signs of a deÂad relationship or rough time. By knowing yourself and caring, you can cleÂarly make one of life’s hardeÂst choices.
When you’re disconnected and can’t move beyond entrenched, well-defended positions in the argument, it’s time to question whether your relationships allow for change at the necessary level. If not, you might need to consider whether something different is required for your own well-being. This observation is backed up by a 2018 study that investigated how emotional closeness in long-term relationships can influence one’s desire for sex. The researchers discovered that being emotionally close doesn’t directly lead to more sex, but it does lead to a stronger desire for it.
It’s important to remember that every relationship is unique and complex, and there is no one-size-fits-all answer to the question, “Is my relationship over?” However, by paying attention to signs such as communication breakdown and lack of intimacy, you can begin to assess the health of your relationship and decide what steps to take next.
