Many relationship experts say that problems in communication are the main reason behind the fall of any relationship. There can be various other signs of problems in relationships. Even though you’re putting in a lot of effort, nothing seems to be working. You should be careful about some top warning signs that would help you to save your relationship. Today, we’ll discuss signs of a troubled relationship.
A clinical social worker, Ann McKnight said that marriages and relationships could recover from any point. It all depends on how people view their relationships before reaching the point of total hopelessness and burnout.
Signs of a Troubled Relationship
Some of the main signs of a troubled relationship are as follows;
Physical Proximity
Physical proximity that how much time couples and partners spend accompanying closer to each other. It’s not just physical intimacy; it means expressing physiological and behavioral support and connection, and doing various activities collectively side by side. However, if you start experiencing a physical distance and you don’t do things together, then you should find the main reason behind it.
Communication Style
There are various types of communication styles, and some styles show the red flag. Gottman Institute conducted a study and it identified four main types of communication styles that would help you to predict the end of a relationship, and they’re as follows;
I-Criticism
Many people have complaints and concerns about their partners, and it is different from the criticism. The focus of complaint or concern is about your feelings and emotions that how you feel in certain situations. Your feelings would change in different circumstances and the things you want other people to do. However, criticism means that you attack the character and personality of the other person. Criticism starts with the usage of definitive language like always, never, etc.
II-Contempt
Contempt falls under the category of criticism, but it is an aggravated form. The contemptuous feelings develop resentment in you towards the other person. However, contempt means the attitude and behavior of disrespect towards the other person like you have some sort of sense of superiority over them. You should develop the habit of appreciation and admiration, focus on the good qualities of your partner and be grateful for everything you have in your life.
III-Defensiveness
Defensiveness, as the name, implies how you respond to contempt and criticism naturally. It further aggravates the conflict that partners are having. Studies have shown that defending yourself and justifying your actions rarely delivers you the desired results. However, you should acknowledge, accept, take the responsibility for your actions, and apologize to your partner.
IV-Stonewalling
Defensiveness, contemptuous attitude, criticism; and the flood of emotions would be overwhelming for one partner, and it would make a person shut down. Stonewall is a type of behavior when a person becomes a rock or stone wall, and the person won’t offer feedback or respond to any type of emotions. However, it’s the final and last stage in the marriage or relationship after the criticism, contempt, and defensiveness. In such a situation, you should give time to yourself and engage in healthy and positive activities in order to relax psychologically.
Untruthfulness
It’s when one of the partners isn’t truthful, and it would create emptiness and distance between the partner. As they say “the truth shall set you free” and it’s absolutely right, because the partner would feel relieved after getting things off their chest.
Honest and truthful communication should happen earlier in the relationship rather than at the later stages. If you do it six months later, you don’t know whether your partner is holding back that particular problem, or simply moved on. Therefore, you should be honest and truthful to yourself and your partner on time.
Feeling Stuck
Every relationship goes through a period of a rough patch. Feeling stuck is a state when one of the partners has lost all the hopes of understanding in the relationship. However, if you observe the repetitive pattern of behaviors that aren’t going anywhere, you keep on having the same argument over and over again. In such a scenario, you should consult the therapist.
The repetitive pattern of unconscious behavior often has very deep roots going back to the relationship that you had with your partner. Your therapist would help you to see the things going on in your mind and make a conscious effort.
Conclusion: Signs of a Troubled Relationship
After an in-depth study of signs of a troubled relationship; we have realized that if you pay attention to the small things, you can save your relationship. You should look back on your life and relationship and try to see the pattern that you haven’t seen before. Remember how you’re making a contribution to it, especially about the things going on currently, be honest and take responsibility for your actions.
Ahsan is an accomplished researcher and has a deep insight in worldly life affairs. He goes Live 3 days a week on various social media platforms. Other than research writing, he’s a very interesting person.
