In the past, there was never a problem reaching your partner, be it at work or in private. They were always answering the phone or cellular.
Now s/he rarely answers the phone, and doesn’t call you back any more. Text messages are also answered late, if at all.
Another indication of seeking independency.
There were issues in your mutual past, which were never addressed before. Now they are not only a subject of discussion, they often lead to disputes.
“I never liked your mother, father, friends, outfit, political view, nose, etc.” are just some examples for sudden confessions of dislike and disagreement.
This is a very serious indication and should not be taken lightly.
This is another serious red flag, which unfortunately often manifests when it is already too late.
Your partner cannot look you in the eye, because they have either noticed that they don’t love you any more, or because of guilt. They may have already separated her/himself emotionally, and is considering the next step.
Be careful!
If you notice only a few of these red flags in your partnership don’t panic! Going on a witch-hunt now is the worst you could do. A few of these signs doesn’t have to mean anything, if they appear every once in a while.
Just talk to your partner about it, without pushing the panic button.
Be aware of jealousy, that green-eyed monster.
Jealousy is one of the most negative emotions there is. Never accuse your partner of something without proof, you can create irreversible damage.
If you notice more than a few red flags at once, if not all of them, then heads up, something‘s going on.
As mentioned, communication and a recollection of your initial relationship virtues is a vital step in finding a way back together again.
If Kevin wouldn’t have shut his eyes to the facts, he might still be in a relationship.
Always walk through life with trust, but keep your eyes wide open.
I know you will now.
Your friend,
Eddie
(Photograph is from istockphoto / lisegagne)
Eddie Corbano is a breakup-coach, relationship-advisor and founder of LovesAGame. He suffered from a devastating break up in 1998. Since then, he dedicated his life to helping others getting the best of this existential experience. The overcoming of a break up is an important step to autonomy and independency. Eddie Corbano developed some new coaching programs, which focus on evolving inner strength and the power to set and reach any personal goal. (Article written on November 10th, 2007)
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Another home run, Eddie! I love it! For me I got the basic bottom line is something we should be doing no matter what stage our relationship is in…Be Aware! As long as we are always paying attention to our significant other, we will always be in a situation where we can either keep injury from happening, stop the bleeding, or, pardon the analogy, cut and run. Great work again, Eddie!
Khalil
He Said She Said…A Love & Relationships Blog
http://www.khalilanddiday.com
I wish I had read this 10 years ago. I’m still recovering from that breakup.
The 10 steps really helped me out on what my man is doing. Now I see that he might be trying to end it with me. And here I feel it is all my fault but, it is not. He is just wishy washy and needs to grow up a lot more before he really decides what he wants in a relationship and I really guess it is not me.
If someone can please give me some advice on how to break up with my boyfriend. We have only been together for 4 months but it feels like forever… hes a really nice guy and he gets me whatever I want but im starting to feel he is just buying my affection. I dont find myself attracted to him at all and since we got together he doesnt have a life of his own. Im a 20 year old female with a two year old daughter, I told him when we got together I wanted to take it slow because I had been going through alot of stress and pain from my last boyfriend. Everything was good for the first week, now it just feels like he never wants to go home and he calls every hour when hes not at my house. I know it sounds pretty simple and i should just leave him, but its difficult for me to tell him this. How can I put it in a nicer way?
I am breaking up in tow weeks and I plan to write a letter sometimes that is the best when you feel things may get violent or the other person is going to try to talk you out of it.
dont feel bad cause its happen to me too it seem i gave in to much love and he didnt give the same percentage back i broke up with him when i went through his phone and found that he was texting this chick telling her how sexy she was i mean he doesnt tell me that at all and i was like pissed off at that and on top of that i found a condom in his wallet this is not the first time that this has happened i left this time and im not turning back because he hurt me bad what should i do
my heart is broken i been mith this guy for almost two yrs and i love him but he has been cheating on me i done forgave him i dont know how many times i left this time im just tired of it.
Wow, I am doing half of those right now to my wife. I am not having an affair, but I have been thinking of why I am married, for many years!! We married when were 20, 18 yrs ago. The main reason I have stayed around is because of the kids AND I hate failure!! Recently during business trips away from home, I’ve noticed more and more that I do not miss her. I just feel soo bad from a personal level to tell her after 18 yrs, I NEVER loved you?! What am I to do? It is eating me up inside, but I’m not sure where to go from here!! I MUST do something soon I can’t keep this inside much longer.
I wish I could have paid more attention to #3 – (Avoidance about talking of the future). But no more regrets!
Thanks for the list, it will definitely help the next time around.
@Ray – This is to Ray.
I commend you for wanting to stay in this relationship and make it work. There is nothing worse for kids than divorce, and I can see that it would break your own heart as well.
Did you know that our actions influence our attitudes far more than the other way around? When you smile, you start to feel happier. If you kick your dog, you will start to feel angry.
Act out your love for your wife. Buy her flowers. Call her in the middle of the day just to say hello. I don’t believe that you “never” loved her. Remember the things you used to love about her, the things you used to do together, and try to recapture some of those emotions.
Act it out until it becomes real.
Also, there’s a great book to help you along the way– it’s called The Love Dare. Try reading it. This is all about putting someone else first. Love her until it becomes a lifestyle again.
Best of luck!