—
Does your relationship feel different these days?
Many couples go through a slump at some point (or several!) during their relationship where things aren’t as passionate or loving as they used to be. So, what’s the difference between a normal bump in the road and a dangerous snowball down the road to Splitz‘Ville?
Sometimes the most problematic relationship issues aren’t as obvious as we’d like them to be. Instead, they are gradual changes in behavior that ultimately end the romance for good.
Sweeping your relationship issues under the rug can only work for so long before you find yourself in a mess of a marriage. Get out now before you’re in too deep by recognizing these 3 warning signs that your relationship is headed for the end.
1. No More Physical Contact
Relationship issues can extend to various parts of your relationship from being grateful to avoiding physical contact with a spouse.
There is no doubt that sex is an important part of any marriage. It’s how couples grow closer and stay connected throughout a long relationship.
Sex is Lacking
Research shows that couples who have an active and satisfying sex life are more likely to say “I love you” to their partners.
Physical intimacy plays a large role in the rise of emotional intimacy in couples. Furthermore, the oxytocin released after orgasm promotes bonding, relieves stress, and elevates your mood – all of which can have a positive impact on your relationship.
There are endless studies that show that oxytocin also increases trust between partners – an important quality to have in any relationship.
Therefore, if you and your spouse are no longer being physically intimate or your sex life has become blasé or routine to the point of boredom, there are definitely relationship issues afoot.
No Physical Affection
Even losing out on the smallest of touches such as giving backrubs, massages, cuddling, hugging, kissing on the lips and face, caressing your spouse’s arm, or holding hands have been strongly linked to partner satisfaction in a relationship.
Without this regular show of affection, you and your spouse miss out on important bonding.
2. Communication is Kaput
Communication is an important aspect of a healthy relationship. Couples must be able to come to each other with their problems. They should feel like they can talk about any topic under the sun without fear of judgment with a spouse.
Some signs that your relationship issues have taken over your communication skills are:
- Constant arguing – You are no longer viewing disagreements as a chance to solve a problem, but rather, have taken to name-calling and going to bed angry.
- No cooperation or compromise
- Uncaring behavior- You or your spouse no longer cares if the other one is upset
- Snapping about the silliest things
- You don’t talk to each other about your days
- Resentment is building in your relationship
- You feel uncomfortable sharing things with your partner, so important information is now going unsaid
3. Emotionally Checked Out
One of the biggest relationship issues you will face is emotional distance.
Couples need deep emotional intimacy to make their relationship a success. The deeper your connection, the more comfortable you will feel being vulnerable with your partner. This vulnerability then contributes to a stronger bond and a more fulfilling emotional and physical relationship.
On the other hand, creating emotional distance or seeming indifferent to a partner can signal a major problem in the relationship.
Emotional or Physical Affairs
One sure fire sign that relationship issues have turned your romance sour is the presence of infidelity.
A loving partner is someone who respects loyalty and values faithfulness. They would never want to do anything to purposely hurt or betray their spouse.
However, if you or your spouse has emotionally checked out of the marriage, they will be more likely to excuse any unfaithful behavior.
Emotional infidelity means that you’ve created a romantic emotional bond with someone outside of your relationship. Infidelity means that you’ve had sex or sexual contact with someone who is not your spouse. And finally, a full-fledged affair has combined both of the above.
Basically, you or your spouse is already looking for someone new, even though they have not yet ended their current relationship.
Indifferent to Sharing
A great romantic relationship is often founded on friendship. In fact, studies show that marital satisfaction is often higher when couples view each other as their best friend.
So when you begin to feel your partner pulling away from you or being indifferent to the goings on in your life, this is a big red flag that something isn’t right.
For example, a partner who was once excited to go out with you and your friends but now prefers to stay home when you have something planned for the evening could be a sign your partner has emotionally checked out.
Similarly, a partner who once expressed healthy jealousy at you hanging out with the opposite sex who now couldn’t care less when they hear you’re going for coffee with your ex shows that they are no longer emotionally invested in you.
Relationship issues should not be ignored.
If you and your partner are constantly arguing and can’t seem to communicate no matter how hard you try, your relationship may be headed for disaster.
Being emotionally indifferent to your spouse and neglecting physical intimacy are also obvious warning signs that your relationship is about to come to an end.
***
What’s Next at The Good Men Project? Talk with others. Improve your relationships. Join our Love, Sex, Etc. Social Interest Group
RSVP for Love Sex Etc. Calls
Join the Sex, Love Etc. FACEBOOK GROUP here.
We think you’ll like our SOCIAL INTEREST GROUPS—WEEKLY PHONE CALLS to discuss, gain insights, build communities— and help solve some of the most difficult challenges the world has today. Calls are for Members Only (although you can join the first call for free). Not yet a member of The Good Men Project? Join now!
Join The Good Men Project Community
All levels get to view The Good Men Project site AD-FREE. The $50 Platinum Level is an ALL-ACCESS PASS—join as many groups and classes as you want for the entire year. The $25 Gold Level gives you access to any ONE Social Interest Group and ONE Class–and other benefits listed below the form. Or…for $12, join as a Bronze Member and support our mission, and have a great ad-free viewing experience.
Register New Account
Please note: If you are already a writer/contributor at The Good Men Project, log in here before registering. (Request a new password if needed).
◊♦◊
ANNUAL PLATINUM membership ($50 per year) includes:
1. AN ALL ACCESS PASS — Join ANY and ALL of our weekly calls, Social Interest Groups, classes, workshops, and private Facebook groups. We have at least one group phone call or online class every day of the week.
2. See the website with no ads when logged in!
3. MEMBER commenting badge.
***
ANNUAL GOLD membership ($25 per year) includes all the benefits above — but only ONE Weekly Social Interest Group and ONE class.
***
ANNUAL BRONZE membership ($12 per year) is great if you are not ready to join the full conversation but want to support our mission anyway. You’ll still get a BRONZE commenting badge, and you can pop into any of our weekly Friday Calls with the Publisher when you have time (Friday calls only). This is for people who believe—like we do—that this conversation about men and changing roles and goodness in the 21st century is one of the most important conversations you can have today.
Need more information? Click here.
♦◊♦
We have pioneered the largest worldwide conversation about the changing roles of men in the 21st century. Your support of our work is inspiring and invaluable.
What We Talk About When We Talk About Men
—
Photo: Shutterstock