It’s not exactly a secret that a lot of relationships don’t survive the long run. Sure, you might have had some amazing dates or believe you have a real bond, but sometimes it simply just doesn’t work out.
Perhaps you’ve began to suspect you’re in a bit of a toxic situation, or you have that niggling feeling in your gut that you’re going to be 'ghostlighted'.
But typically, you don’t always know when your relationship is going to end until your mates are suddenly buying you pity pints in the pub.
So surely, you’d rather just know the signs you’re going to be left in the dust and luckily two experts told LADbible the five red flags your relationship isn’t going to last much longer.
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Relationship therapist Dr. Emily May from Private Sugar Club and Sex therapist Melissa Cook explained the warning signs that might signify you’re doomed.
Point keeping
One of the biggest traps you and your partner can fall into is keeping score – you know, keeping tabs on who did what and who said what.
That’ll make things pretty toxic and May says it will ‘prevent your relationship from moving forward’.
Unrealistic expectations
May explains putting too much pressure on or expecting too much from your partner ‘can set your relationship up for failure’.
This can create an environment full of disappointment and resentment.
“Instead, expectations should be grounded, and effective communication should be used when one partner is dissatisfied to create a healthier and more fulfilling connection,” she says.
A lack of fun
May says that if you’re not having fun together anymore then there’s serious cause for concern.
“Enjoyment and happiness are hugely important in a relationship, and the best ones prioritise shared laughter and positive memories,” she explains.
So, if these aren’t happening for you and are instead replaced by arguments, then it’s probably time to reassess.
Other priorities
Cook explains neglecting your partner and their needs can cause a relationship to fail.
“When you don’t make time for them or choose others over them, your partner can feel undervalued and unappreciated, jeopardising the relationship,” she says. Going to couples’ therapy can often help get over this hurdle.
An unhappy sex life
This one’s a biggie as Cook highlights how essential intimacy is for a happy and healthy relationship.
“If your sex life is struggling, this could be a sign of a deeper issue that needs addressing,” she says. “The sexual dynamics of a couple can often assess the health of relationships.”
The sex therapist recommends ‘open communication and a willingness to change’ in order to overcome this.
But of course, one important thing to remember in all of this is that no one should be staying in unhappy or toxic relationships.
Topics: Sex and Relationships
Jess Battison