Are you worried that your relationship might not be going well? Are you questioning if you still love your partner? Psychologists have identified signs that can help confirm if you’ve fallen out of love or if your relationship is in a rough patch. Here are 7 subtle signs you might have fallen out of love:
1. Little Irritations:
Do you get annoyed by small things your partner does? Stuff that used to be cute might now bother you. Psychologist John Gottman explains that when we’re in love, we overlook flaws, but when we fall out of love, we start noticing and criticizing these things.
2. Emotional Distance:
When annoyance sets in, emotional distance often follows. You might find it hard to express your feelings, leading to detachment. In healthy relationships, open communication is crucial for building intimacy. If you’re pulling away emotionally, it could be a sign of falling out of love.
3. Lack of Future Planning:
If you’re making plans without considering your partner or thinking about independent decisions, it could be a red flag. Strong couples have common goals, and when planning together stops, it may indicate emotional detachment.
4. Forced Affection:
Does showing affection feel like a chore? If hugs and kisses feel robotic and lack warmth, it could be a sign that the relationship isn’t as fulfilling as it used to be.
5. Happier Alone:
Do you find more joy spending time alone or with others than with your partner? Feeling happier away from them can signal a fading connection.
6. Communication Decline:
If communication has declined, it’s a potential sign of trouble. If you used to share your day but now avoid discussing life, it might indicate a deeper issue.
7. Fantasizing About Freedom or Others:
If you’re daydreaming about being free or interested in someone else, it may suggest unhappiness in your current relationship. According to the triangular theory of love, fading passion can lead to wandering imaginations.
If you identify with these signs and are considering what to do next, it might be helpful to seek couples counseling before deciding to end the relationship.
