A relationship is similar to a regular job in that you must put forth an effort and devote adequate time to it. When we enter into a relationship, we expect many things from it, such as going on dates, having long and deep conversations, creating unforgettable memories, and so on. But what happens when your relationship becomes difficult to manage, and you believe it is coming to an end?
There comes a time when you have to understand that your relationship is doomed. You try and try to make it work, but it eventually falls out of place. You falsely reassure yourself by telling yourself that nothing has changed between the two of you, and you begin to ignore the signs that your relationship is dead and not going anywhere. Now, let’s look at the warning signs that your relationship is approaching a stalemate.
1. Lack of communication
When two people in a relationship work as a team, it is important2 that they communicate and discuss their feelings. Many topics must be discussed in a relationship, like future plans, relationship goals, etc., which becomes difficult if you don’t know how to communicate with each other without fighting or holding anything back. If you don’t talk to your partner about your feelings, your relationship may end up falling apart.
2. Thinking about different people
If you’ve recently started thinking about other people or fantasizing about being single, chances are you’ve grown tired of your current relationship. If you like to spend your time with other people rather than with your partner, it demonstrates a complete lack of gratitude for your partner. If you are constantly canceling date nights to spend time with your friends, it indicates that you are unhappy in your relationship. It is normal to go through a rough patch in a relationship and see your friends frequently, but if you are becoming more distant and unconcerned about your feelings for each other, it is time to check in.
3. Too many fights
Arguments and conflicts are normal in a relationship, but if you find yourself fighting over trivial matters all the time, it’s time to admit your relationship is in trouble. If you are fighting more than you are laughing and enjoying your relationship, it is time to reconsider your commitment to it. The brutal truth is that some people are incompatible, and if you can’t get through a day without having disagreements and conflicts, you should move on. Life is short to waste on the people who stress you out; instead, look for someone who is more compatible with you.
4. Hesitant to talk about future
It’s good to be in the moment and go with the flow. However, if you are in a relationship and do not make long-term plans or discuss what you both want from this relationship, it will only last for a short time. Couples who do not plan their future together are more likely to disrespect each other and become distant over a period of time. Making future plans is a great indicator that your relationship is developing and that you are committed to each other.
5. Sexless Relationship
Intimacy with your partner is simply a way of expressing affection and passion in a relationship. However, if your relationship becomes sexless, you may feel unloved and distant. Although sex in a long-term relationship may not be as exciting as it was in the beginning, it is still the lifeblood of your relationship, and you obviously don’t want it to die. If you haven’t had sex in a long time, talk about it to see where the problem is, as it could be a sign that your relationship is about to end.
6. Feelings are Faded
Do you like to spend a lot of time alone rather than with your partner, and do you feel guilty about it? Then you’re on your way to a breakup. At the beginning of a relationship, the feelings may be so intense that you don’t notice the red flags, but as that initial spark fades, you’ll be able to tell if your relationship has what it takes to go the distance in the future. If the chemistry you felt when you first met is fading, and you no longer have a strong desire to spend time with your partner, the relationship is unlikely to last.
7. You both want different things
If you and your partner have opposing interests, it can be difficult to coexist in the long run. For example, if you like PDA or need words of affirmation but your partner is more private and a person who talks less, this can be a problem. Many times, people begin a relationship believing that they are on the same path, but as time passes, they realize that this is not the case and that they both want very different things from the relationship. In this case, having open-ended communication can be extremely beneficial.
8. Abusive Relationship
When your relationship becomes abusive, or when one person in a relationship does not respect the other, it is a major red flag that your relationship is about to end. Many people confront their abusive partner in the name of love and passion. Constant stalking, manipulation, and physical altercation are all major indicators of an abusive relationship. They may even become physically violent towards you as a result of your minor mistakes and beat you. If you notice any of these mentioned signs, take it as a warning and leave the toxic relationship.
9. Lack of trust
Let’s be honest: if you don’t trust someone in a relationship, it won’t work. The problem becomes worse when neither of you is interested in resolving the underlying issue. Trust is the foundation of a satisfying relationship. It helps in the growth and stability of the relationship. Lack of trust makes you skeptical of your partner and forces you to exchange information. Lack of trust exacerbates other issues, such as the inability to provide emotional support, poor compatibility, and constant fights over minor issues.
Conclusion
Starting a relationship is simple, but keeping it involves time, work, and love from both parties. Your relationship may go through a tough patch at times, necessitating a little more effort than usual. However, some relationships become toxic due to continual conflicts, abuse, a lack of trust, and communication. That’s the time when you should take the clue and move on for your mental peace and personal growth.
Making a relationship work is not easy, and it might get so unpleasant that you may have to quit and go on. Some symptoms that your relationship has reached a deadlock are 1) Lack communication, 2) Thinking about different people, 3) Too many fights and 4) Hesitant to talk about the future, and so on.