Ever sat across from your partner, listening to them ramble on about their day and wondered when exactly you started feeling a million miles apart?

That from someone you once felt was your soulmate…

Chances are, you’ve stumbled upon a shift in your relationship dynamics.

While their words may appear ordinary to the untrained ear, the truth is that there might be subtle clues hidden in their phrases indicating they’re falling out of love.

And we wouldn’t want you straying too far down a path alongside someone losing interest in you.

So without further ado, let’s uncover the 9 subtle phrases your partner might use when they’re slowly drifting away.

This might seem disconcerting, but it’s important to read between the lines in any relationship.

1) “I need space”

You might have heard your partner utter this phrase and brushed it off as a casual comment. However, in many cases, this might be a subtle clue that they’re distancing themselves from the relationship.

“I need space” is often used by individuals who are attempting to balance their feelings and thoughts. It could mean they’re trying to figure out their emotions towards you and the relationship.

This doesn’t always indicate they’re falling out of love. They might just be going through a phase where they need to reconnect with themselves independently.

However, if this phrase becomes a regular part of your conversations, it’s worth paying attention to. It could be a sign that they’re creating emotional distance and falling out of love.

So, the next time your partner says they need space, don’t panic.

Instead, try to understand what they’re going through and communicate effectively about their needs and yours, too.

2) “We should see other people”

The absolute bombshell, “Maybe we should see other people.”

It really winds you. You think it’s a joke so start giggling, but then see the dead  seriousness in their eyes and the breath gets snatched away from you.

“Seeing other people” is often a coded phrase for “I’m not sure about us anymore.”

It can indicate that your partner is questioning whether you’re the right match for them, or if there’s someone else out there who might be a better fit.

So, if you hear your partner suggest seeing other people, don’t brush it off too lightly.

For the most part, the right person will be committed to the whole of you, and any qualms are a significant indicator that their feelings for you are waning.

3) “I don’t know”

These three words, especially when used as a frequent response to questions about the future of your relationship, can really shake the foundations of love and send it all crumbling.

“I don’t know” may well seem quite harmless at first glance.

After all, we all have moments of uncertainty in our lives. However, if your partner doesn’t know more than they do know, it signals a deeper issue.

Maybe they’re uncertain about their feelings for you, or perhaps they’re unsure whether they want to continue investing in the relationship.

Remember, though, that uncertainty isn’t always a sign of decreasing affection. It’s also possible that your partner is simply going through a difficult time and needs some extra understanding and patience, so don’t throw in the towel immediately.

However, if “I don’t know” becomes their go-to answer for all things related to your relationship, it might be time to have a serious talk about where you both stand.

4) “You deserve someone better”

When your partner tells you that “you deserve someone better,” it might seem like they’re complimenting you or expressing their insecurities. However, this phrase can sometimes be a subtle indication of a partner trying to let you down gently. 

And make themselves feel less guilty in the process.

“You deserve someone better” can be a way for your partner to express their own feelings of inadequacy or their belief that they are not fulfilling your needs.

Additionally, they feel a little less guilty for doing you wrong in the future.

Why?

Because they told you they were no good.

In fact, they’ve told you straight out that they’re emotionally unavailable.

Your fault for sticking it out with that knowledge!

While it’s essential to consider the context and the overall dynamics of your relationship, hearing this phrase more often than not can be a red flag for your love life.

5) “We’re just different”

When love blossoms, differences often take a backseat. You might find joy in discovering each other’s unique traits and quirks, and these differences might even strengthen your bond.

Justin’s video below goes more into depth about how a big part of relationships is nurturing these quirks and distinctions. Watering them and watching them grow.

But, if someone starts furrowing their brow and pursing their lips when you come to an area where you and your partner diverge in interests or thoughts…

Bad news, my friend!

When your partner begins to emphasize those differences as a barrier rather than a bridge, it can be a pretty big indication of fading feelings.

“We’re just different” may seem like a simple statement of fact, but when said with a sigh or a resigned tone and a big sigh, it could hint at a growing emotional gap. Your partner might be using this phrase as a way to express their feelings of disconnect or incompatibility.

Know however that differences in a relationship are not always a sign of doom. They can often lead to growth and understanding when nurtured with love and patience.

But if your partner frequently highlights your dissimilarities as a problem, it might be their heart’s subtle way of saying they’re falling out of love.

6) “It’s not you, it’s me”

A poor attempt at evading their guilt by semi blaming themselves (but still doing you dirty), this phrase is a bit of a killer. It’s often used as a cliché in breakups, yet may well have more weight than you realise.

Your partner might be looking for a way for them to protect you from any hurt, or to ease their own guilt.

It could also be a subtle way for them to express that they’re falling out of love altogether. By blaming themselves, they might be indirectly communicating that they can’t give you the love or commitment you deserve.

While it’s crucial not to jump to conclusions at the first utterance of this phrase, if it becomes a recurrent theme in your conversations, it’s pretty heartbreaking and indicates that it be time to have an open and honest discussion.

7) “I’m just not ready”

When your partner constantly tells you they’re “not ready,” whether it’s for a long-term commitment, to settle down, or even to discuss future plans together, it could be a subtle sign of waning affection.

Listen to them.

“I’m just not ready” is probably their way of expressing uncertainty about the relationship or their feelings towards you.

Of course, it’s perfectly normal for someone to take their time when making significant life decisions. You should always think, analyse, and contemplate.

But if this phrase is used frequently as a way to avoid discussing the future, it might be an indicator that they’re falling out of love. Or they weren’t in it in the first place.

8) “I think we need a break”

Eeeek!

The idea of taking a break in a relationship can sometimes serve as a breather, providing space to gain perspective. However, it can also be a subtle signal of dwindling love.

And by making it sound like the break is in your best interest, they’re allowed to step back and reassess their feelings without the immediate pressure of the relationship.

Unfortunately, breaks often lead to a permanent breakup in many relationships. Not always, but a lot.

(Find out more about which category your ‘break’ falls into here.)

Hence why this phrase could be your partner’s subtle way of expressing their desire to gradually end the relationship.

They’ll let the flame slowly die out rather than throwing a bucket of water over a fire.

9) “I’m too busy”

We’ve all been there (I think). Trying to move the earth and heavens for someone who is simply…too busy.

Too busy to send a text message, too busy to call, too busy to hang out for even an hour.

Now, this phrase tugged at my heartstrings every time I heard it. It made me feel like I was no longer a priority in his life, but just another task on his to-do list (and not a very high up one at that.)

So if you’re on the receiving end of an “I’m too busy”, you have my condolences.

Hopefully your partner is just swamped, but equally this could be your partner’s way of subtly expressing their fading interest in spending time with you.