This article has been written to not only outline these signs, but to also offer hope.
That’s because I believe that each of these signs can be worked on.
There is always an opportunity to learn more about yourself and more about your partner.
And I believe there is always an opportunity to improve the quality of your relationship.
So let’s explore where we might be going wrong…
John Gottman; leading relationship expert for over 5 decades, identified several patterns that can create negativity in his relationship counselling research.
These patterns include criticism, defensiveness, stonewalling, and contempt. When these behaviours become chronic and pervasive, they can lead to the eventual breakdown of the relationship.
The first fatal sign that your relationship is in choppy water is a lack of communication and importantly, a total lack of desire to even enter into a conversation. If you find that you and your partner are no longer talking as openly or as frequently as you used to, it could be a sign that you are drifting apart.
Communication is the lifeblood of any relationship, and without it, your relationship will struggle to survive.
The second is a lack of intimacy. Intimacy is about more than just sex. It’s about feeling close and connected to your partner on an emotional and physical level. If you find that you and your partner are no longer spending time together, holding hands, or cuddling, it could be a sign that your relationship is in trouble.
The third sign is a lack of trust. Trust is the foundation of any healthy relationship. If you find that you and your partner are no longer able to trust each other, this needs to be looked at immediately, before it’s too late.
The fourth is a lack of support. If you find that your partner is no longer there for you when you need them, or they are not supportive of your goals and dreams, this might be another thing that needs addressing.
The fifth and final fatal sign is a lack of respect. Respect is a cornerstone of any healthy relationship. If you find that your partner is no longer respecting your feelings, opinions, or boundaries, it could be a sign that your relationship is over.
While these signs can be worrying, it’s important to remember that all relationships go through ups and downs.
It’s never too late to make changes and work on improving your relationship.
One of the most effective ways to do this is by upgrading your behavioural patterns and analysing the triggers, so you can improve the way you communicate and increase the level of connection in your relationship.
Learning more about yourself and your partner can also be incredibly helpful to help reduce power struggles and increase empathy. By understanding your own needs and desires, and those of your partner, you can create a closer relationship with more intimacy and affection.
This can involve taking the time to talk openly and honestly with each other, engaging in activities that you both enjoy, and making a conscious effort to be more supportive and respectful.
If you’re worried that your relationship is coming to an end, it’s important to look out for these fatal signs.
However, it’s also important to remember that there are steps you can take to improve your relationship and make it stronger than ever.
This can be discussed in relationship coaching and relationship therapy sessions where an expert can help you to learn more about each other and create an environment where you make a conscious effort to be more supportive and respectful. So you can feel closer and happier about your future together.
~Steve~