Ever feel like your relationship is on a non-stop rollercoaster ride?

One moment you’re cooking breakfast together and laughing, the next you’re bickering over who should have done the dishes. This mix of good and bad is pretty normal.

But when does “normal” turn into “we’ve got a problem”?

To help you figure this out, we’ve put together a list of 11 signs that might mean your relationship is in hotter water than you thought. 

Ready? Let’s dive in. 

1) Communication has gone south

Remember those long conversations you used to have? The ones that would last for hours, and you’d still have so much to say?

If these are now a distant memory and most of your chats are about who’s going to buy milk or take out the trash, it might be a sign that things aren’t looking good.

Communication is the backbone of any relationship. It’s how you connect, understand each other’s needs, and resolve conflicts. This doesn’t mean every conversation has to be deep and meaningful; it’s about maintaining an open line where both of you feel heard and understood.

2) You’re constantly criticizing each other

Every relationship has its fair share of disagreements, but when those disagreements turn into constant criticism, it’s time to pay attention.

If you or your partner are always finding fault in the other, it’s a clear sign that respect and appreciation have taken a backseat.

Constructive criticism is healthy and aids growth, but constant nitpicking can create a toxic environment that’s hard to recover from. 

3) You feel happier alone

This one is a tricky sign to spot, but once you do, it can be a real eye-opener.

Personally, I remember being in a relationship where I found myself looking forward to the times when I was alone. I’d plan my day around the times I knew my partner would be out, just so I could enjoy a few hours by myself.

Sure, everyone enjoys a little me-time, and it’s essential for maintaining your individuality in a relationship. But when you start to feel happier or more at ease when your partner isn’t around, it might be a sign that the relationship isn’t working anymore.

4) You’ve stopped making future plans together

It’s no brainer: couples who envision a future together stay together.

So, if you’ve stopped fantasizing about that trip to Greece next summer or about buying a house together in a few years, it could be a warning sign. 

Planning a future together indicates that you both envision each other in the long term. But when these discussions dwindle or become awkward, it might suggest uncertainty about the relationship’s future.

This doesn’t mean you need to plan your retirement after the first date. But as your relationship evolves, discussions about the future should naturally arise.

5) The thought of them being with someone else doesn’t bother you

Love is intricate, but at its core, it’s about deeply caring for someone else. When you love someone, the mere thought of them with another can hit you like a punch to the gut.

But what happens when that feeling fades? What if the idea of your partner with someone else no longer stirs any emotions?

Look, it’s normal to feel a twinge of jealousy at the thought of your loved one with someone else. But if that twinge is absent and instead there’s indifference or even relief, it may be time to assess your relationship.

6) Small things about them start to annoy you

Let me share from my own experience.

I once dated someone who had a habit of tapping his fingers on any surface. Initially, I found it endearing, a unique quirk. But as our relationship soured, that tapping became increasingly irritating.

It’s normal for your partner’s habits to occasionally annoy you—we’re all human. However, when these small quirks start grating on your nerves, it could indicate your patience is wearing thin.

7) You’re no longer intimate

Let’s be honest here. Intimacy isn’t just physical—it’s also about emotional closeness. It’s that cozy feeling when you cuddle on the couch or the deep bond when you share your innermost thoughts.

But when that intimacy fades, both in and out of the bedroom, it leaves a void in your relationship. If you’re making excuses to avoid physical contact or keeping your thoughts and feelings to yourself, something’s off.

Intimacy is what keeps a relationship strong. Without it, you’re just two people sharing space.

8) You’re having the same arguments over and over

Here’s a surprising fact: Arguing can actually be beneficial for a relationship, according to relationship experts.

It can help clear the air and resolve conflicts. But there’s a catch—these arguments should be constructive and lead to solutions. They should help you understand each other better instead of straining your bond. 

However, if you’re stuck in a cycle, having the same arguments without resolution, it’s a warning sign. It suggests unresolved issues that you’re struggling to address.

9) You’ve stopped saying “I love you”

This one hits close to home.

In my past relationship, there came a point where we stopped saying “I love you” to each other. Initially, I brushed it off, thinking it wasn’t a big deal. But over time, I realized our ‘I love yous’ had faded into silence.

In a nutshell, saying “I love you” isn’t just a phrase—it’s a declaration of your feelings. It’s how you express love and affirm your care for your partner. When those words vanish from your conversations, it could signal fading emotions.

10) You don’t feel like you’re on the same team anymore

Being in a relationship is like being part of a team.

You’re supposed to have each other’s backs, support each other, and work together to overcome challenges. But what happens when you start feeling like you’re on opposing sides?

If every little issue becomes a ‘me vs. you’ situation, it’s a warning sign. If you’re constantly trying to one-up each other or if discussions feel more like debates, it suggests that the partnership aspect of your relationship is failing.

11) You’re reading this article

If you’re reading this and nodding along, it’s because you’ve sensed something’s off in your relationship.

Seeking advice and understanding your feelings is commendable. But the fact you’re looking for signs your relationship might be over speaks volumes. Trust your instincts—they often know what’s up before you do.

It’s alright to acknowledge when things aren’t working out. Sometimes, the bravest move is to let go and move forward. 

Saying goodbye to love

As you reflect on these signs, remember, recognizing the point of no return isn’t just about waving goodbye to what was. 

It’s about clearing the runway for what could be—a chance for growth, self-discovery, and perhaps even a shot at a love that doesn’t come with an expiration date. 

Hence, if your relationship checks off most (or all) of these boxes, it might be time to bid adieu. Who knows? The next chapter could be filled with far better plot twists and a lot less drama.