RELATIONSHIPS
Trouble in Paradise: 7 Ways to Know Your Relationship is in Trouble
There are times when we see trouble coming from miles away. Then, there are times when it seems to come out of nowhere. When it comes to relationships, it is better to be the former than the latter.
If you think that there’s trouble in paradise brewing, here are seven signs to be on the lookout for:
1. Less Frequent and Authentic Communication
When the lines of communications break down, you know you’ve got something on your hands. It isn’t just the frequency lessening that you need to watch out for either. If there comes a time when you can’t be completely honest or authentic when communicating with your partner, then that’s definitely a serious sign of trouble.
2. Lack of Passion and More Routine
To start things off, know that there’s nothing wrong with routine in itself. Eventually, things will get boring or repetitive. However, if those routine instances dominate over the passion that used to be all over the place in your relationship, then you might want to do something about that.
3. Loss of Self-Identity
They say that when a relationship progresses, it is normal for a couple’s identity to merge somewhat. However, it should not reach an unhealthy point of co-dependency or a lack of independent identity. Should anyone start feeling less and less like themselves at any point, then that’s a sign there’s trouble brewing.
4. Greater Emotional Outbursts
Stress makes us vulnerable and more likely to lash out. With that said, it is never healthy for that to become a frequent occurrence or even the norm. Couples that take their stresses out on each other on a regular basis are not likely to be in a good place in their relationship.
5. Decreased Displays of Affection
It goes without saying that people get together and stay together because of the love and commitment they share. Another surefire sign of trouble is when the affection begins to dip, before waning completely.
6. Increased Instances of Disrespect
There’s healthy ways to argue, fight, and resolve conflict. When fighting with your lover turns dirty and filled with disrespect, then things are bound to go south fast. Resentment is likely to pile up and you might see a sharper increase in disrespectfulness within the relationship.
7. A Growing Gap in Goals and Values
There will never be a couple that is one hundred percent on the same page one hundred percent of the time. Yet, if you find yourself drifting apart from your partner over how you see your future going, or even with what values either of you cherish, then you can safely say that your relationship has seen better days.
No relationship will ever be without problems. It’s how we respond to them that matters. Yet, if we can’t even identify what the problems are to begin with, then all that trouble in paradise might soon evolve into something much, much worse. Arm yourselves with knowledge, such as what signs to look out for, and your relationship may stand a chance at surviving.
