If you happen to be the one having an affair, can you be sure your partner isn’t cheating? If they’re being unfaithful – it could definitely be a sign that they are no longer right for you. Each stage has its own signs that your relationship is not what it should or could be. In any case, I know it can be really scary to contemplate a future without the person you loved (or still love). Statements like “I’m leaving you”, “I want a break”, “I don’t love you anymore” or even “I’m having doubts” are unlikely to have risen out of a ‘sudden’ realisation. Nevertheless, the ending of a relationship is always a process with a beginning, a middle and an end.
If your problems begin to affect your life or your ability to live it negatively, then make time to call a relationship expert for help. Many times, the issues that cause a breakup can be fixed with some couple’s counseling. If a nagging feeling of suspicion just won’t leave you (Conti calls this feeling “obsessively suspicious”), the relationship is on its last leg. Yes, every couple has the occasional spat, but walking on eggshells is more often than not a sign your relationship isn’t an emotionally safe one — and that you may be better off with someone else. Sometimes even relationships where there is a great deal of love can be stymied by goals that are totally different. 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.
Now you feel an obligation to see each other, even though you don’t feel like you have much in common. To be fair, this could be caused by a whole host of things, but it might be a sign your relationship is over—and that it could be causing you more harm than good. “Studies show that hair loss can be a leading indicator of elevated stress levels,” Limongello notes. “Any problematic living situation can lead people to stay out later than usual to avoid interactions with the person they live with,” Limongello explains. When you get a promotion, lose a big client, or win your fantasy football league, who’s the first person you tell?
It can be difficult to determine when a relationship has run its course. However, there are some clear signs that may indicate it’s time to move on:
Communication Breakdown
One of the most telling signs that a relationship is over is when communication between partners breaks down. If you find yourselves constantly arguing or unable to have meaningful conversations, it may be a sign that the connection between you has deteriorated.
If you can’t imagine your partner in your future, chances are you’re having a hard time seeing them fitting in there. While this alone doesn’t mean that your relationship is over, when compounded with other factors, it can mean that you aren’t sure of your current relationship. Bickering often, nitpicking, and/or criticizing without resolving how that makes each of you feel can mean that the relationship is nearing its end. When one or both of you no longer cares about how your behavior impacts your partner, the relationship’s health plummets. Many couples find that the number of arguments about seemingly little things will increase toward the end of a relationship, especially when arguments seem to come out of the blue. Every relationship has its ups and downs, but constant arguments may make it untenable.
Lack of Intimacy
Intimacy is an important aspect of any relationship. If you and your partner have stopped being physically affectionate or if intimacy has become forced or awkward, it could be a sign that the relationship is no longer fulfilling for both parties.
When your relationship is surviving, you’ll feel lonely even when they’re next to you doing the same thing—as if there’s an emotional abyss in between. You may feel misunderstood, trapped, shut down, on edge, and uncomfortable being around them. Taken to an extreme, you may find yourself judging your partner and the things they value. Much like not wanting to give up resentment, wanting to seek revenge can poison a relationship from inside out.
Constant Negativity
Please note that these signs apply to what has been a relatively serious, committed relationship that has lasted for some time. If you are questioning whether to continue to date someone when it is in the early stages, that will be addressed in my next blog post. If this list of signs resonated with you, but you don’t want to give up just yet, know that it’s possible to save a relationship that’s falling apart.
But a healthy sex life, alongside other forms of physical intimacy, is an important way to stay connected with your loved one. Sometimes it’s the little things that tell us that something just isn’t right, whether it’s a gut feeling or a loss of spark. While in many cases, more concrete signs tell you the relationship won’t or shouldn’t — last much longer. Additionally, seeking support from friends, family, or a professional can be important to the healing journey. A support system can provide emotional comfort and practical advice, offering a buffer against feelings of isolation.
If you find yourselves constantly criticizing or belittling each other, it may be a sign that the relationship has become toxic. Constant negativity can erode the foundation of a relationship and make it difficult to move forward in a healthy way.
Emotional Distance
Emotional distance between partners can also signal the end of a relationship. If you no longer feel connected to your partner on a deep emotional level, it may be time to reevaluate the future of your relationship.
Trust Issues
Trust is essential in any relationship. If you find yourself constantly questioning your partner’s actions or if they have broken your trust in a significant way, it may be a sign that the relationship is not sustainable in the long run.
Conclusion
In conclusion, it is important to pay attention to the signs that may indicate your relationship is over. While every relationship is unique, these common indicators can help you assess whether it’s time to move on and seek happiness elsewhere.
