9 Signs Your Relationship is Failing

You know that feeling you get at the beginning of a relationship? It’s utter bliss and your rose-coloured glasses are seeing everything half-full, not half-empty. You look great, feel great, they’re great, you’re great, everything is great. But that feeling of pure, unadulterated happiness doesn’t last too long. I’m not saying it’s all bad; you can just find yourself in that comfort zone where things are still good but maybe not as exciting. And that’s to be expected. The honeymoon phase isn’t mean to last forever.

But what happens when it’s not a comfort zone but the complete opposite, where everything feels forced and overwhelming and is as uncomfortable as it gets? Sadly, that’s the sign of a relationship coming to an end and hopefully you’re both in a place where you know, together, you’re about to flatline.

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1 / 9

Failure to communicate

Whether it's the big issues, problems you're having with each other, or even just polite small talk, if you're no longer talking because it's too difficult or, worse, there's nothing left to say, then one if not both of you have already checked out. Air it out, no matter how stinky, and you can move on from there.

If you're looking to rediscover the love, read on for 19 expert tips for a stronger relationship.

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2 / 9

Situation critical

If the criticism is no longer constructive and you're just going at each other in a mean way, it's never a good sign. Because it's getting personal and the criticism tends to focus on the other's character rather than the behaviour you'd like them to change.

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3 / 9

Contempt and disrespect

Add it to the list of 20 things you should never do in a healthy relationship: if your fights or arguments are the equivalent of one giant low blow, just call it quits now. Because that means you've reached a point where the words coming out of your mouth are so mean and vile and actually make you feel like a jerk BUT at the same time, you don't care if they know it, or that you're hurting them. Not good -- for either of you. It's obviously stemming from a problem or resentment one of you has; that's where communication comes in.

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4 / 9

Sex is off the table

If your bedroom time has gone from fun and frisky to blah and tiresome, you need to figure out what's going on. If the attraction is gone, you can try and bring the sexy back but if that still doesn't work and the idea of their touch repulses you, perhaps your relationship is better suited as a friendship. Before you know it, you may end up like these celebrity couples who just broke up.

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5 / 9

Defensive ends

If your relationship is already strained, the constant complaining and excuse-making and denials of responsibility will only make each other more defensive. No problems or issues will ever get resolved if you both keep passing the buck. Just like we said about communication, the same goes for listening to your partner and not dismissing them, and trying to see things from their point of view, not just getting your back up and ready to attack.

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6 / 9

Silent treatment

If your sentences are met with silence, it's easy to want to throw in the towel. An emotionally distant, emotionless robot can be hard to talk to because it prevents a couple from working out a conflict. Both of you need to participate in the discussion or else those relationship walls will start crumbling all around you and all you'll be left with is rubble, er, trouble.

You may also like: the hidden signs your partner is cheating on you.

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7 / 9

Stressed out

If you're number one source of stress is your signicant other, then that's bad news. They should be the ones taking away your stress, not the cause. Find out what the root is and you'll know right away if it can be fixed.

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8 / 9

Future’s not bright

If there is no shades-wearing in your future and the idea of spending all your years with this person fills you with dread, not delight, then you either need to overhaul your relationship or come to a decision as to whether or not you should stick it out. Because what may have worked before doesn't necessarily mean it's built to last forever.

Still having trouble facing the facts? See the top 15 signs your marriage is over.

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9 / 9

Stand alone

Every couple needs their alone time but if you're happier by yourself than with your partner, that's a huge red flag. Figure out whether that's just about you or if it's about both of you; if it's the latter, it's time you sat down with your person and figured out what the problem is and whether you work better separately or as a team.

Want more love advice? Be sure to check out the 20 rules for a happy marriage.

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