1. A lack of communication

A lack of communication is usually the first bad sign in a relationship, but also one of the earliest. If you are discontent with your partnership, cutting back conversation is the first step of an emotional retreat.

Does your partner avoid a longer conversation? Check out why.

2. A Change in behavior

Does your partner act differently lately? You partner was always a role model in punctuality, they aren’t any more. S/He is often late, without giving an explanation and might get aggressive when insisting.

Or s/he changes routines, that were a matter of course for years in your relationship, overnight.

Is there also a decrease in intimacy? No more of the cuddling and kissing you s/he used to do? Sex happens much less often?

These are just examples of a change in behavior to demonstrate what I mean. For you, it’s important to observe these changes, should they appear, and take them as a warning sign that something just might not be ok.

3. Avoidance of talking about the future

You used to talk about future vacations to foreign countries you have always planned to visit. You dreamed together of the cozy house, with the white picket fences, watching your children play in the front.

Take a look now if your partner refuses such thoughts or simply changes the subject.

That might be a red flag that something is going on.

4. Decisions are made alone

You used to always discuss everything regarding important decisions in your life, be it your life as a couple or as an individual. Now you find your partner is suddenly making very important decisions on their own, just presenting you the facts.

This could be seen as the first steps towards independence for your partner.

5. Unusual activities alone

You notice an unusual accumulation of activities your partner is doing alone. This is especially true for men.

Is your partner meeting old friends they haven’t seen in years? Working late? Discovering new places without you?

This is not always an indication of infidelity; it can also be spreading their wings for independence: the first steps into a new life (phase 3).

6. Hidden phone-calls

This is a classic one.

Do you catch your partner taking hidden phone-calls more often? The phone is ringing and s/he takes it somewhere else without answering it first? What does s/he hide?

This could be infidelity or just (as in 5.) looking for more freedom.

Be careful.

7. New circle of friends

Suddenly there are a bunch of new friends appearing out of the blue. They are very important to her/him.

Most of the new activities without you are now with them, shutting you out.

S/He is spending less and less time with you.