Being in a relationship with the person you share mutual feelings with can be one of the best feelings in life. The relationship itself can be filled with excitement and butterflies that may lead two people towards promises of forever. However, you may begin to experience some uncertainties about your partner as time goes by. You may also begin to recognize that the spark is no longer there and there's an ick that can easily bother you. The future with your partner suddenly becomes a blur.
At some point, you know that ending the relationship would be better for each other yet getting rid of the feelings and memories that are built together for such a long time won't be as easy. No matter how much you try, it would be hard for you to push your relationship that isn't making you happy way further. If you're wondering why you're starting to doubt your relationship, here are some signs that can be one of the reasons why you're feeling that way.
Lack of physical intimacy
This repeated pattern of maintaining physical distance is a noteworthy aspect that warrants attention, particularly if you find yourself making an effort, encountering a slowdown in physical intimacy, exchanging personal details about your day, and participating in meaningful conversations as a couple. If you're not actively pursuing these connected moments, it might suggest that you no longer perceive your partner as someone who brings you happiness and fulfillment. They may have become more akin to a best friend, family member, roommate, teammate, coworker, or simply an obligation. While these roles are valuable in a relationship, it's crucial to regard each other as sources of romantic pleasure to sustain the spark.
Issues with problem solving
In long-term relationships, it's not uncommon for the same disagreement to resurface repeatedly, inevitably circling back to the same issue. Failing to overcome this conflict can result in feelings of resentment. While these recurring fights may be exasperating, they can also be remarkably satisfying once you successfully address the underlying issue that needs open discussion to enhance the relationship. Confronting these emotionally charged issues demands effort, including being mindful of triggers, understanding your partner's perspective, objectively discussing past grievances, and actively working to meet their needs.
If you feel distant and can't overcome stubborn positions in your argument, it's worth considering if your relationship can really change enough. If not, you might need to think about a different approach for your own happiness.
Feeling lonely even when you're in the same room
If you catch yourself yearning to spend time alone or daydreaming about moments without your partner so you can enjoy your activities, it's a signal to stop and think. In a healthy relationship, you'll want to share some solo pursuits with your partner. In a struggling relationship, even when you're both doing the same thing, you might feel lonely, sensing an emotional gap between you.
When you and your partner are disconnected, no longer sharing the same values, and struggling to get along, building a shared future becomes difficult. Why commit to a future together when the present feels unsatisfying?
If you're thinking about ending your relationship, even if you can't exactly explain why, don't analyze it too much. Listen to your body and its signals, which you can only recognize by taking a mindful approach. You don't need a profound reason to break up, and you won't find the answer by reading numerous articles on whether you're meant to be together. You'll simply feel it.
(DIP/alm)