Laura's Inspirational Pages
Home | About This Site | Laura's Music Room | The Star Sailors | September 11 | Laura's Rules for Living | My Favorite Sayings | It All Begins With You | How Does Prayer Work? | The Holy Alphabet | Memo From God | The Other Side - A Glimpse into the Afterlife | What is a Friend? | Some Words on Friendship | Some Words on Relationships | Some Words on Love | Speaking of Love... | Speaking of Time... | Unfolding the Rose | The Water Bearer | Mother's Little Angel | Two Wolves | The Wooden Bowl | Words in the Sand | Wear Sunscreen | So You Want to Have a Baby? | Is the Relationship Over? | WARNING SIGNS OF ABUSE | Pet Ownership - Things You Should Know | Resources for Pet Owners and Animal Lovers | Doggie Pix | The Rainbow Bridge | A Dog Named Beau | On the Lighter Side - A Little Doggie Humor | Inspirational Links | Related Links | CONTACT
Is the Relationship Over?

Signs that a romantic relationship may be ending

Something's wrong.  You can feel it in your gut, though you can't put words to it.  But it's there ... silently hovering in the air, unspoken, a sense of dread that the loving, monogamous relationship you've been in for a number of months, or years, is over, even if neither of you has said anything, even if you are still together physically.
 
The change was so gradual, you didn't see it coming at first.  But now there's no denying it.  Communication between you has broken down.  You seem to be saying one thing and he or she is responding with another, totally unrelated to what you were trying to convey.  He's distant, separated from you even when you're in the same room together.  Her expression, once so adoring when she looked at you, has changed.
 
What went wrong?
 
Probably it's nothing that you did.  The sad fact is, many relationships just reach the end of the road, and neither party is to blame.  Feelings change.  It can happen to the best of us, and often does.  But how can you tell the difference between a disagreement that can be resolved and an irreconcilable situation that can only be rectified by ending the romance?
 

 
There are many signs you can, and should, look for.
 
  1. Does your partner seem distant lately?  Is she holding something back when you're making love, as though her emotions are disconnected from her body?  When you speak to her, does she hear you or does she seem not to be listening?
  2. Does your partner start quarrels with you for no apparent reason, especially if it culminates with him storming out of the house?
  3. Has your partner gotten in the habit of complaining about things you do, beginning every sentence with "You never" or "You always"?
  4. If your partner criticizes you, and you respond by correcting the behavior he/she found offensive, does your partner seem pleased or does he/she actually get angry, responding either with total silence or something else he/she doesn't like about you?  Have you been getting the impression that no matter how much you do for your partner, it isn't enough?
  5. Does she expect you to be a mind reader ... responding to your repeated questions of "What's wrong?" with silence, or with a tartly snapped, "Nothing!" or "You know what's wrong!"  Or, worse, "If you really loved me you wouldn't have to ask!"
  6. If you try to talk to your partner about moving to the next step in your relationship, which you'd discussed before--for example, if you'd been talking about moving in together, or if you're already sharing a residence and had been contemplating marriage--does he either grow silent or respond with a non sequitir or some vague, generic statement, like, "We'll see what happens?"
  7. If you're already married or living together, has he lost interest in doing things around the house or making improvements to the property, such as repairs or yard work?

If any of these scenarios sound familiar, you may have to brace yourself for the unhappy fact that your partner wants out of the relationship and has not worked up the courage to tell you directly.

Many times, we can sense things even if they're unspoken.  Things just don't feel the same anymore.  Your partner is there in body but not in spirit, and you've almost become like two strangers even if you're continuing to spend the night together or share a residence.  When that happens, it's time for a long talk, whether your partner wants it or not.

It doesn't have to be confrontational.  If possible, rehearse what you're going to say so that you'll be able to talk without stuttering or breaking down.  But you will have to prepare yourself for the worst outcome, or you'll be shocked and devastated if things don't turn out the way you'd hoped.

Ending a romance is never easy, regardless of whose doing it is.  If you loved your partner heart and soul, it can be devastating; but if you suspect the romance has reached a dead end, you must speak up or you'll be destined to remain in limbo for a long time.  You deserve better than that.  Gather your friends around you for support if need be ... avoiding those who say things like "I told you so" or "I never liked him anyway."  Don't be afraid to cry.  And, whatever you do, don't be afraid to fall in love again.  It's what life is all about, and it may be that God has someone better waiting in the wings for you.

Delicious Bookmark this on Delicious

Warning Signs of Abuse

Please visit:
 

Note: Laura's Inspirational Pages is owned and maintained by Laura Pinto. Laura is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.