Recognizing the Signs That a Relationship Is Ending
STACEY ELKINS
LIFE
The beginning of a relationship is filled with passion, laughter and high hopes. No one wants their relationship to fail, but often people stop working to make it successful. Knowing when to let go of your significant other can be challenging. Recognizing the signs of a failing relationship can help you to end your relationship.
1 Lack of Communication
Communication makes or breaks a relationship, says Amy Bellows, a psychologist and author of "Good Communication in Marriage Starts With Respect" on the website PsychCentral. It takes time and effort to communicate and it may not be a priority for you anymore. You may no longer discuss your hopes, dreams and fears. Your communication may be solely surface talk, such as who's doing the laundry. There may be no open, honest communication or you may make decisions without considering your partner.
2 Conflict
Repeated periods of unhappiness and arguing are a sign that your relationship is failing. The bad times may outweigh the good times and the same issues may continue to surface. One of you may crave physical intimacy, while the other doesn't. It's not likely you can save your relationship if only one of you wants sex, says Laura Berman, a clinical assistant professor of psychiatry and author of "5 Ways to Know Your Relationship Is Over" on the Everyday Health website. You may not agree on important issues and may not be willing to compromise. Your goals may be incompatible. You may want children, while your partner doesn't.
3 Emotional Involvement
Trouble is brewing when you and your significant other no longer lean on each other for emotional support. You might instead turn to a close friend or a co-worker when you are upset, angry or frustrated. You may no longer respect, appreciate or trust your significant other. Your relationship may feel like an emotional drain and you may stop making an effort. When one partner shuts down emotionally, the relationship usually fails, due to lack of desire to work on the relationship, says Berman.
4 Lack of Quality Time
A vital ingredient of successful relationships is spending time together, says HelpGuide.org in "Relationship Help." Without quality time, your relationship won't thrive. You may have decreased the amount of time you spend with your partner and stopped "dating." You may spend more time at work or with your friends. You may not look forward to spending time with your significant other and no longer laugh together.
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