A happy woman is like a force of nature.

She embodies serenity, radiates joy and love, and gives life to those around her. 

And an unhappy woman has the power to do the opposite. 

So, what are the signs that a woman is unhappy, especially if she conceals her feeling of discontentment? 

What does it look like when she lacks fulfilment but doesn’t want others to know?

If a woman is secretly unhappy in life, she’ll usually display these 16 subtle behaviors. 

1) She stops being as productive

Most women are natural nurturers and excellent multitaskers.

So, when they become obsessively and negatively focused on a certain issue or problem it can be an indication that she is secretly unhappy.

Most of us aren’t as self-aware as we would like to be, which means that we can struggle to understand the origin of our emotions. 

When a woman becomes negatively fixated on something she no longer devotes time to other things and becomes less productive than she used to be. 

This is a red flag that something is not right. 

And now for a paradoxical behavior and the next sign a woman is secretly unhappy… 

2) She overworks herself 

OK, we’ve just said she won’t be as productive, and now we’re saying she’s overwork… but hear me out.

Work can be a perfect escape or coping mechanism for women struggling with fulfilment. 

Because when we’re crazy busy we don’t have time to sit around and think about our problems. 

And we certainly don’t have time to address them! 

So, a woman who is secretly unhappy and trying to conceal it may keep herself extremely busy as a way of avoiding unpleasant feelings.

It doesn’t mean she’s putting her heart and soul into her work, but it does mean she has an effective distraction from her pain.

3) She’s extremely critical 

A woman who down talks herself constantly, picking apart or magnifying her flaws and faults is likely experiencing deep unhappiness with herself.

And her dissatisfaction may extend from herself to everyone and everything around her.

Because we can’t give to others what we don’t have for ourselves. And this applies to good vibes as well as everything else!

A woman who is hyper critical of others and the world in general, is projecting her feelings of unhappiness outward.

4) She’s disconnected 

Whether they are extraverted or introverted, happy women enjoy strong social connections.

And it’s no surprise as having a sense of belonging is a huge component of happiness.

A secretly unhappy woman will become apathetic to her friends and acquaintances.

This will be obvious in her interactions with them; they will be either forced or faint.

She may even stop checking in with people who are important in her life, not because she’s not interested in them, but because she doesn’t feel like herself. 

She will become disconnected; a sure sign that she is falling deeper into a depression.

5) She’s more anxious 

Happiness is serenity and forward movement, enjoying the process of working towards your objectives every day. 

And it’s no surprise that happy people cope better with stress and trauma.

Experiencing anxiety is the opposite of this.

Frustration and despondency breed anxiety, and women are especially susceptible to this.

So, if you notice a woman in your life who is increasingly becoming more anxious, she may be struggling with her happiness.

6) She seems to have lost her spark 

A happy woman will sparkle with enthusiasm and energy. 

She will be busy getting on with her passions and purposes in life, whether this means her work, her family, her relationships, or whatever they are. 

So, when a woman loses this passion, and stagnation takes its place, this is a firm sign that she is no longer as happy. 

Sadly, her spark will be muted. 

7) She’s way too sensitive 

Unhappy women won’t be playful or be able to see the humour in things.

Instead, this compulsion to have fun will be replaced with high sensitivity and defensiveness. 

This is because her unhappiness will make her think that everything and everyone is against her and as a result, she won’t be able to laugh at herself or take jokes. 

And even the softest criticism will cut like a knife when she feels this way. 

8) She’s always tired 

A discontented, disconnected woman will likely always feel tired and drained.

She will be losing sleep due to her emotional state. 

And even when she doesn’t want others to know, being constantly exhausted is something that is difficult to hide.

9) She won’t take pride in herself as much as before 

Women can be masterful at concealing their true feelings.

But their deflation can easily be identified through how they take care for themselves, or don’t.

When a woman suddenly stops taking care of her health and wellbeing, or taking pride in her image, this is a strong indication that she is not in a good place emotionally.

10) She won’t talk about herself 

Women who are trying to hide the sadness within will resist any invitation to talk about themselves and their lives.

Instead, they will expertly turn the conversation to focus on the other person.

But many people don’t realize that although this may appear casual and effortless, it is deflection and a behavior associated with profound unhappiness.

11) She wants to avoid people 

And because she won’t want to talk about herself… 

A secretly unhappy woman will avoid meeting people, even great friends.

She may continuously cancel plans, be reluctant to commit to get together, or state (a new) preference to ‘just stay at home and chill’.

Happy people are more likely to be social and engage with others so if you notice this change in a woman, chances are she’s unhappy and trying to hide it. 

12) She has a shorter temper 

Nothing creates mood swings like feeling sad, frustrated, and unfulfilled.

In fact, there is no great recipe for a shorter temper.

So, if a woman is secretly unhappy, she may give herself away by becoming increasingly irritable and struggling to control her emotions in times of stress. 

Her negative emotions may also cause her to become more aggressive and argumentative, making life more difficult for those around her.

13) She’s apathetic to everything 

Happy women are generally kind and helpful toward others.

So, if a woman suddenly can’t be bothered or shows no enthusiasm or concern, chances are she’s experiencing feelings of frustration and unhappiness in her life.

It’s a pretty sure sign!

14) She becomes more indulgent 

Indulging in food, alcohol, or drugs are unhealthy (and ineffective) coping mechanisms some women turn to at times of personal crisis.

And they may gain weight or lose weight as a result.

But don’t be fooled – excessive pleasure-seeking isn’t a sign that someone is committed to enjoying life.

On the contrary, it indicates someone is looking to escape themselves.

15) She’s painfully negative

Unhappy women often get stuck in a mindset that reinforces their unhappiness.

They can begin to see themselves as victims of circumstance.

So, beware if a woman in your life suddenly becomes excessively negative in her outlook. 

Her new-found victimhood could be a sign that she’s deeply unhappy and feeling stuck. 

16) She’ll be cynical about others 

Often, how people speak about others tells us everything about how they view themselves. 

For example, if a woman is cynical or even mean about others, chances are she isn’t feeling good about herself.

It is a dead giveaway that she’s not in a good place.

A woman who is radiating happiness will want everyone to feel the same and will do her utmost to elevate those around her.

Happiness is contagious

There is an easy and immediate way to tell if a woman is secretly unhappy: ask yourself how you feel after you’ve been with her. 

Women are powerful conductors, radiating and magnifying whatever it is they are feeling. 

And happiness rubs off on others, as does frustration and anger. 

So, in addition to the behaviors above, a woman’s energy will generally leave you in no doubt as to her emotional state.