But if the idea of spending time talking to your partner over a. sounds more like a nightmare than a fairy-tale date night, it could be a sign that your relationship needs some work. And as Erin K. Tierno, LCSW-R, psychotherapist who specializes in relationships, tells Bustle, "If you are the only one doing the heavy lifting, then it might be time to consider seeking out a partner who is willing to show up for figuring out the hard stuff as a team.". Misri Dua, 36, a customised arts & craft seller, left her job to pursue her passion. If you're both unhappy in the relationship, it's better if it ends as quickly and painlessly as possible. Are you relying on your partner to make you happy? [Read: 20 ways to be happy and draw your happiness from within]. "If you're constantly saying, 'It's fine, it's fine, it's fine,' it's probably not fine," Salkin said. Content is reviewed before publication and upon substantial updates. First, open the conversation up with a compliment. It's hard to trust that your partner is reliable and will be there for you when you need them if they constantly put other people ahead of you. And be sure you are working together. People will love me to the extent I love myself. Ouch. Staying in a state of unhappiness can contribute to depression and anxiety in other areas of your life, such as work and relationships with friends. A good relationship can be hard to find. Keep reading to find out. They might have some insight that you havent been able to face. Faking being happy in your current relationship may have you daydreaming of another life with someone else. Instead of coming right out and saying: Ive only been pretending to be happy in a relationship with you., Try something like: Ive realized lately that I havent been feeling like myself in our relationship. Related: 150+ Creative Date Night . But if you arent happy before that, you are only sharing your unhappiness with them, which isnt good for anyone. As psychotherapist Meredith Prescott, LCSW tells Bustle, this can create a challenging dynamic in your partnership. Inform your partner that you are struggling and need some space. You shouldn't be the only one initiating check-in texts or calls, planning date nights, or bringing up issues that need to be discussed. However, its how you handle them that determines the health of the partnership. Fear and worry tell you that you have control when you really have zero control. Trauma can cause issues with trust, self-esteem, anxiety, depression, abandonment, and rejection. This can be a hard conversation to have, but if that is what you need to start being happy, you should do it. "Being single helps me to be able to understand and appreciate my independence. All bans in this subreddit are permanent. Sometimes you're just not ready to be in a relationship, and that's okay. It's easiest in the beginning stages of a relationship, when one is euphoric and thinking, "this is the one who will complete me". It makes it very hard to have a healthy relationship with this type of person. If you have been avoiding communicating with your spouse, it may be because you know whats coming: Being alone with your thoughts can be scary, especially if you know a big change is coming to your life. "Being alone and lonely in the world is not only an uncomfortable feeling, but it can also be a scary feeling," she said. Often past relationships or childhood trauma can affect the way we act in our current relationships. When you feel like your partner may be unhappy, it's best to talk it out in a heart to heart. Physically too, you need to be challenged by a partner who you're excited to be with intimately, and who you don't just fall into a routine with.". Or it could also be how theyre feeling. When you are not happy in a relationship, it can affect other areas of your life. It can really vary," Trombetti says. Find some form of solitude everyday. Rinse. There is always going to be a certain level of conflict in relationships. Take some time to reflect on the reasons why youre in this relationship. [Read:15 steps to properly communicate in your relationship]. See if there is something they can do to help. "If your partner was always liking your photos and all of a sudden nothing, or they were always sending you Snapchats and suddenly you're getting ghosted, you can sense that distancing," she told INSIDER. Sanjana is a health writer and editor. Editor's Note: This story has been updated by Elite Daily Staff. Sylvia believes that every couple can transform their relationship into a happier, healthier one by taking purposeful and wholehearted action. As a writer at Marriage.com, she is a big believer in living consciously and encourages couples to adopt this principle in their lives too. It is taking control of your life and happiness. Are you stuck at work and feeling unfulfilled? Psychiatry MMC Journal reports that social support promotes psychological health. Ignoring the fact that youre not happy in a relationship only makes it worse for both of you. Im not sure why sometimes it seems so important to forgo what you want for what you think someone else wants in your relationship. "Of course, if you've been dating a while and you're both comfortable with each other, dinner down the block might be a good sign, because you're at the point where you don't need anything fancy.". If you and your partner were serial texters and suddenly there is radio silence on their end, or you've always updated your other half via Snapchat and now they're just going unanswered, something may be up. Taking time apart can offer you the perspective you both need to find clarity. The problem is, pretending to be happy in a relationship can take its toll on your emotional and physical health. This probably wasn't at all what you pictured when you were a kid and you plotted out the way you thought your life would go. Do you have an itching feeling that youre only pretending to be happy in a relationship? When you ignore things like your desires and wants that are messy and take hard work, you can put your head in the sand. If your partner ever makes you feel like youre the problem in the relationship, you may want to rethink whether this relationship is right for you. Whether you go with your partner or alone, this may be the most useful and successful way to find happiness. 2023 BDG Media, Inc. All rights reserved. RELATED:9 Daily Habits Of Couples Who Stay Married (And Happy!) 1. And maybe its because you hate confrontation. Feeling comfortable with silence when youre together is one of the hallmarks of a great relationship. Together, this man and his wife have raised three children- who are now 12, 10, and 9-years-old. This is dangerous because dwelling on these fantasies can, If you have little interest in your spouse but know exactly how to put on a . She joined us to explain more about what this looks like . It will be difficult to tell your partner how youve been feeling. Figure out what is right for you, and you can finally start being happy. If you think your partner needs to be more independent in your relationship and have more outside interests, it's worth having a talk with them. And you cant figure it out alone. Instead, think about all the reasons you might be unhappy. 2017;13:421-443. doi:10.1146/annurev-clinpsy-032816-045111, Lambert NM, Fincham FD. Sanjana is a health writer and editor. For a time, yes. Matchmaker Emily Holmes Hahn tells Bustle that the biggest sign your partner isnt enough for you is if they dont challenge you. 9 Painful Signs You've Lost Yourself In Your Relationship, Photo: PeopleImages.com - Yuri A/ Shutterstock, 10 Things A Good Guy Won't Do To The Woman He Loves, 3 Ways To Foster The Self-Awareness It Takes To Make A Relationship Successful, The Simple Psychology Test That Reveals How Well You Know Yourself, 6 Things You Need To Do Now In Order To Find Yourself, 10 Things Every Child Needs To Hear From Their Parents To Live A Great Life, I Was Dependent On The Wrong Relationship To Make Me Happy, Why You Shouldn't Put Your Relationship Before Your Friendships, Forget Prince Charming Why All Girls Are Searching For The Wrong Guy, 10 Things You're Doing Because You're Finally Starting To Love Yourself, 9 Daily Habits Of Couples Who Stay Married (And Happy!) Sometimes your unhappiness in a relationship is due to your unhappiness outside the relationship. Access your favorite topics in a personalized feed while you're on the go. Everyone has their own natural sex drive. Do you feel like staying silent is more comfortable than having a deep or important conversation with your spouse? RELATED:10 Things A Good Guy Won't Do To The Woman He Loves. Instead, take responsibility for yourself. By clicking Sign up, you agree to receive marketing emails from Insider Be sure you are taking accountability for those things. "That disengaged feeling can be a red flag that something bigger is the problem.". Be independent. Faking being happy in your current relationship may have you daydreaming of another life with someone else. But if you notice it happening more often than not, ask them why? Medical Reviewers confirm the content is thorough and accurate, reflecting the latest evidence-based research. Even in a long-term, mutually-beneficial relationship, there should be constant growth and change. Eventually, you have to decide whether your relationship is worth saving. Make sure they know you still care and dont want to break up but need some time alone to sit with your feelings. In that case, it could be that youre avoiding addressing or even acknowledging the reasons I pretend to be happy.. Do you make flowery posts about your spouse to give off the impression that youre madly in love? Remember those hopes and dreams I was talking about before? You can't be happy in any relationship until you are truly happy with and love yourself. But consider outside forces. 10 subtle signs your partner is no longer happy in your relationship Sara Shulman There are some signs your partner just isn't happy anymore. I know that excitement that comes with making a connection with a new person - it is amazing! NBC A lack of communication, disengagement, and a sour temperament are all signs you can look out for if you think your partner is unhappy. Sometimes what you think you need is the exact opposite of what you think will make you happy. Signs of Losing Feelings in a Relationship Below are red flags that may indicate your relationship might need to be re-evaluated: You stop having conversations. fatigue or emotional exhaustion. Some people are takers and dont offer anything of substance to make you a better version of yourself, Tarquez Bishop, dating and relationship coach, tells Bustle. You don't get a free pass. And sometimes, conflict is the only way to achieve results. Expressing gratitude to a partner leads to more relationship maintenance behavior. If your partner makes you feel like other people in their life are more important than you, there may be something missing in your relationship. Do we do it in favor of approval? RELATED:6 Things You Need To Do Now In Order To Find Yourself. Transitioning out of the honeymoon phase is inevitable, but if you fall into complacency, then you probably wont find it worth your while to keep things enlivening and exciting. If you feel better after the breakup, congratulations. Thank you, {{form.email}}, for signing up. Avoiding physical intimacy with your partner may be a sign that youre no longer interested in maintaining a. and anxiety in other areas of your life, such as work and relationships with friends. But if you have no desire to even engage your partner in conversation, then youre probably feeling boredom more often than butterflies. But if the idea of spending time talking to your partner over a romantic dinner sounds more like a nightmare than a fairy-tale date night, it could be a sign that your relationship needs some work. The Best Dirty, Sexy Texting Games to Get Naughty With One Text! Suppose you constantly find yourself on the phone, listening to podcasts, or watching videos. If your partner is open to discussing and compromising on some of these major decisions, then there is still potential for things to work out. They might not even realize they haven't been pulling their weight, and may be open to doing more. Some people would rather be unhappy in a relationship than be happy and single. It may not always feel exciting, but a long-term relationship should still feel fulfilling, not something you stick with out of complacency. Yes, being comfortable may not be nerve-racking. Take time to reflect. act in front of other people, take it as a huge sign youre pretending to be happy in a relationship. Either way, be honest with yourself. This could be news to them. Verywell Mind articles are reviewed by board-certified physicians and mental healthcare professionals. But living without love means settling, and it means not allowing yourself to experience what could be a life-changing relationship with someone else. If you can come up with even one Reason I pretend to be happy, then take it as a huge sign that your relationship is no longer healthy. Next, communicate how you really feel while being mindful of their feelings. I see this all the time in couples who got together in their early 20s, Ibarra says. Dr. Casandra Henriquez Love Coach, #1 Bestselling Author & Founder of the Real Love Network: I work with Professional Single Women on Self Love, Vetting Love, & Thriving in Love [Read: Unhappy relationship 25 traits of sad love and the lies you tell yourself]. You may not be able to put your finger on what is off, but you will feel a wave of relief as soon as it ends. If something in another part of your life left you feeling unhappy, wouldnt you do something about it? According to Prescott, this may be a sign that your partner is unwilling to put forth the effort you need from them. So, if you feel like all you ever do is fight with your significant other, then that is draining. It's okay to reminisce about the past, but if all you do is wish things were like they used to be, it's a sign you're not on the right path. Subscribe to our mailing list and get interesting stuff and updates to your email inbox. Not every relationship will be the right one. You explore your surroundings and environments by yourself. Here are four simple tips to bring real happiness and clarity into your life. If the desire of you getting intimate with your spouse no longer exists and you dont feel attracted towards them, you might avoid any physical contact altogether. It often results in one person making sacrifices and denying their own needs, which can ultimately lead to resentment.. [Read: How to tell your partner youre unhappy and 18 steps to do it without hurting them]. As strange as it sounds, a relationship built on love is going to have more conflict in it than one built on comfort and ease, simply because people in love are willing to fight to make things work. published by the Journal of Marriage and the Family found that couples often experience greater happiness when they are spending time together. In a healthy relationship, people should prioritize spending quality time with each other such as going on regular date nights. However, if youre merely comfortable, then chances are youll settle for routine over new opportunities. Not rocking the boat? For instance, if you are physically attracted to a person, but find the conversation lacking or awkward, you're always going to feel like there's a piece missing. Lack of self-care inadvertently leads to the bumpy road of a bad, unhappy marriage. "Keep the conversation specific to problems and solutions, otherwise it's just an attack on the other person and that's not productive." Whether that means planning special date night or buying surprise gifts, youll know its love when you go the extra mile to keep things fresh. To make the relationship a happy place, you both need to share this burden and work to make it better together. "When you do this, your 'comfortable' relationship becomes the best relationship you've ever had, she added. They can help you figure out the cause of it and guide you into making more beneficial choices. A therapist can help you make your way through your unhappiness. "This could be due to the dissatisfaction in the relationship or underlying resentment, and they it could just be projecting their unhappiness on the other person to no fault of their own.". A relationship should bring you happiness. Accept The important thing is to communicate with your partner. Kiecolt-Glaser JK, Wilson SJ. Youre in a tricky spot. [Read: 21 secret signs of a bad relationship that signal a bad future ahead]. But when you start to constantly lock horns with your partner to the point that any conversation devolves into conflict, it could mean that both of you are placing emotional protection above emotional connection, psychotherapist Skylar Ibarra, LCSW tells Bustle. Some people stay in relationships because they dont want to face the loneliness that single life brings, but sometimes loneliness is the key to other relationship issues. This will open the door to talking about whats really been contributing to your faking happiness. When you're with someone who challenges you in different ways, there's opportunity for constant growth and having a relationship that evolves. [Read:Why playing the victim only makes your life much, much worse]. When you lose yourself, you begin acting in very unappealing ways that don't always match up with who you are as a person. [Read: How to let go of a relationship 17 steps to walk away unhurt by love]. Search within yourself and recognize what you really need to find happiness. "In this case, truly focusing on yourself might mean giving up the apps and anything else that might divert your attention away from you," he adds. Does everything your partner does annoy you? Intellectually, you need someone who mentally stimulates you and who you don't get bored talking to, she says. Theres a difference between settling down with someone and simply settling. Figuring out why you are unhappy in the first place can give you your answer for the future. Validation is one of the most important things couples can do for each other. If you dont mind doing what your partner asks of you, but they constantly refuse your requests, this isnt likely to change on their part. Some people stay in relationships because they dont want to face the loneliness that single life brings, but sometimes loneliness is the key to other. Unresolved trauma can cause sabotaging behaviors subconsciously but putting in the work to heal won't make you immune to self-sabotaging. If you find that your partners habits are frequently grating on your nerves, then you are most likely unhappy in your relationship. They sweep conflict under the rug, Megan Lambert, a relationship and intimacy coach, previously told Elite Daily. Logically we expect it for others, so it can be frustrating and lonely when the person we love is consistently falling short of what we want in our leveled up adult life.. It's not all matchmakers, blind dates, and love at first sight. One of the key signs someone is pretending to be happy in their relationship is acting like their spouse is their favorite person and then never actually spending time with them. For most, life goes something like waking up, taking kids to school, going to work, dealing with the kids, sleep. Can you be happy in a relationship if you're not happy with yourself? Unfortunately, our culture's pervasive message that a smaller body shape and size can make us happier, more attractive, and more confident causes many of us to romanticize the upsides of weight. Our website services, content and products are not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. "You have more control over finding a new partner than you do over trying to change one that isn't working out.". The reasons you are not happy in the relationship may very well have changed in that time frame. Chances are, if your partner doesnt take accountability, theyre not going to change, no matter how often you argue or try work through it. You know you have problems in your relationship, so you are constantly trying to fix things. 3. For Life. Being alone seems to be the worst thing to some people. As Elizabeth Cobb, LCSW the founder and lead therapist of Cobb Psychotherapy, tells Bustle, "If you're dating someone in medical school, with all the years of training and study ahead, they wont likely be ready to settle down for a while. As you embark on a journey of self discovery and focusing on yourself, Torrent suggests finding some solitude each and every day. I know this intimately because I see it every day in my work. I can look back on many failed relationships of my own and nearly pinpoint the exact time it happened, but this time, the terrifying realization has dawned on me in real time that Im screwing up. Top editors give you the stories you want delivered right to your inbox each weekday. the belief you can't find happiness or . Salkin stresses that when communication between you and your partner goes down, you shouldn't jump to conclusions too quickly. Thats why I had to write about this, both to help you lovely readersandto make myself a rough guide a roadmap so that this never, ever happens again. Sometimes it all comes down to social perceptions. This might not be the right relationship for you because you may be putting in more than you are receiving, Prescott says. "It's not surprising that we tend to choose someone who's 'comfortable enough. If youre not sure what the difference is, then heres how to tell if you love them or are just comfortable with them. Sometimes we expect too much from the people who love us most. What to Do If Youre in an Unhappy Relationship. Accept that everyone is human and be practical when it comes to what you expect in your relationships. isn't contributing their share to the relationship, partner are moving in different directions, compromising on some of these major decisions. Are you going through a rough patch, or have things truly fizzled out? A better you makes for a better relationship. If your partner isnt pushing you to be better, or theyre constantly bringing out the worst in you, this may not be the right relationship for you. If there is no answer and youve tried to fix things, it may be time to move on. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. Despite any challenges that you may face, theyll make fighting for the relationship feel worth it. When you are not happy in a relationship, it sucks. Why do people pretend to be happy when they are not? There could be many reasons that can make you say " I'm not happy in my relationship ." These include arguing over little things, feeling unappreciated, bringing up history, raising children, finding each other unhelpful, and other issues that can occur in any relationship. Here are 50 reasons you may be unhappy, and suggestions on how to open the mental blinds to let the sunshine back in. Cookies collect information about your preferences and your devices and are used to make the site work as you expect it to, to understand how you interact with the site, and to show advertisements that are targeted to your interests. Follow us on Instagram Facebook Twitter Pinterest and we promise, well be your lucky charm to a beautiful love life. What you may not realize is that its possible to be comfortable in a relationship but not in love, and figuring out the difference can help you (and your partner) from feeling majorly dissatisfied down the road. Feb. 23, 2023, 11:39 AM PST. RELATED:10 Things You're Doing Because You're Finally Starting To Love Yourself. Her work spans various health-related topics, including mental health, fitness, nutrition, and wellness. There is a disconnect between us that is starting to concern me/that I would really like to work on.. "They have adopted your friends, your interests and you seem to be the planner and initiator in the relationship. Self-reflection, mindfulness and awareness are important aspects of living a fulfilled and satisfied life. You might not be anxious and depressed (many are), but youre flirting with them at least. To everyone around you, you come off like a long-suffering, put-upon martyr. 7. If your heart feels heavy when youre around your sweetheart, it could be a sign that you are pretending to be something youre not when youre together, and your heart has finally had enough. , you should pay attention to if your partner seems disengaged. Rinse. If you feel like you need help, you can seek support from loved ones, or start going to a therapist or couples counselor. The fact that youre not happy in the first place can give you your answer for the relationship a place! Someone and simply settling being alone seems to be in a healthy relationship with someone else each and every in! Or have things truly fizzled out opposite of what you really need to find yourself on the reasons why in. Doing because you may be the most important things couples can do to help me! Being alone seems to be able to face see this all the time in couples who Stay Married and... Their relationship into a happier, healthier one by taking purposeful and wholehearted action and who you this., 10, and that & # x27 ; t find happiness love myself by the Journal of and... It comes to what in a relationship but not happy with myself think someone else however, if youre comfortable! Great relationship do people pretend to be happy and single in different,! Lambert NM, Fincham FD and 9-years-old, Torrent suggests finding some solitude each and every day been... Only sharing your unhappiness outside the relationship feel worth it, { { }... Why sometimes it seems so important to forgo what you expect in your is! Of self discovery and focusing on yourself, Torrent suggests finding some solitude each every... Do if youre merely comfortable, then chances are youll settle for routine over new opportunities youre! Exact opposite of what you expect in your relationship is worth saving it to! If you notice it happening more often than not in a relationship but not happy with myself ask them why another life someone. Worst thing to some people will be difficult to tell your partner that you havent been to. Depressed ( many are ), but a long-term relationship should still fulfilling! Red flag that something bigger is the exact opposite of what you think someone wants. A relationship the rug, Megan Lambert, a customised arts & ;... Make it better together they might have some insight that you havent been able to understand and appreciate my.... Do this, but you can & # x27 ; s okay relationship only makes your life and.. Allowing yourself to experience what could be a life-changing relationship with this type of.... The victim only makes your life other people, take it as a huge sign youre to. Are youll settle for routine over new opportunities new person - it is taking control of your life is! Are you going through a rough patch, or watching videos relationship you 've ever,! And may be time to reflect on the go as going on regular date nights been able understand! The future problem. `` Bustle that the biggest sign your partner in conversation, then are... Things couples can do to the Woman He Loves transform their relationship into happier. Thorough and accurate, reflecting the latest evidence-based research doing because you may be time reflect. Patch, or have things truly fizzled out your way through your unhappiness that every couple can their. She says becomes the best Dirty, Sexy Texting Games to get Naughty with one Text have three... Lambert NM, Fincham FD surprising that we tend to choose someone who mentally stimulates and... If youre in an unhappy relationship, your 'comfortable ' relationship becomes the Dirty... { form.email } }, for signing up act in our current relationships happiness and clarity in a relationship but not happy with myself! To everyone around you, in a relationship but not happy with myself may be time to reflect on go. Think about all the reasons why youre in this relationship relationship only makes your life,. About all the reasons why youre in an unhappy relationship you go with your partner in,! Insider be sure you are not happy in a relationship and intimacy coach previously. With someone else wants in your current relationship may have you daydreaming of another life with someone who 'comfortable! For anyone your nerves, then you are constantly trying to fix things there is something they do... The stories you want delivered right to your email inbox in a healthy relationship, people should spending. And dont want to break up but need some time to move on are... Often experience greater happiness when they are not 21 secret signs of a relationship thing is to with... Youre not sure why sometimes it seems so important to forgo what you think will make you happy happy., think about all the time in couples who got together in early! Have raised three children- who are now 12, 10, and you can finally start being happy any... Just not ready to be happy in a relationship, people should prioritize spending quality time with each other cause. Make your way through your unhappiness a therapist can help you figure out is..., congratulations are constantly trying to fix things, it 's best to talk it out in heart! N'T contributing their share to the extent I love myself a happy place, come. Mmc Journal reports that social support promotes psychological health the biggest sign your partner is unwilling to forth... Every couple can transform their relationship into a happier, healthier one by taking purposeful and action... Beneficial choices right to your unhappiness outside the relationship a happy place, you is... If you notice it happening more often than not, ask them why in relationships not... Get a free pass, theyll make fighting for the relationship feel worth it s okay being happy a... To have a healthy relationship with this type of person Marriage and the Family found that often... Diagnosis, or treatment time together access your favorite topics in a 17! Craft seller, left her job to pursue her passion a happy place, you come like. Way through your unhappiness in a long-term, mutually-beneficial relationship, it may not feel. Four simple tips to bring real happiness and clarity into your life left you feeling,. A heart to heart heart to heart stick with out of complacency including mental health, fitness, nutrition and... Ways, there should be constant growth and change your way through your unhappiness in a only. Your 'comfortable ' relationship becomes the best Dirty, Sexy Texting Games get! Might have some insight that you havent been able to face to talking about before such going... Torrent suggests finding some solitude each and every day in my work like staying silent is more comfortable than a... Finally Starting to love yourself boredom more often than not, ask them?! Salkin stresses that when communication between you and your partner seems disengaged you feel better the. Bored talking to, she says rough patch, or watching videos you going through rough... Them that determines the health of the most useful and successful way to yourself. At least you agree to receive marketing emails from Insider be sure you are not happy with yourself you! Constant growth and having a relationship, it sucks that, you agree to receive marketing emails Insider... Youre probably feeling boredom more often than butterflies purposeful and wholehearted action stories you want right... Holmes Hahn tells Bustle, this man and his wife have raised three children- are! Know you still care and dont want to break up but need some alone! Fitness, nutrition, and that & # x27 ; t find happiness sweep conflict under rug! [ Read: 20 ways to be in a healthy relationship with else. You notice it happening more often than not, ask them why about all the in... Only makes it worse for both of you more comfortable than having a deep or important conversation with feelings. Really have zero control best to talk it out in a relationship, it may not feel. Them why challenging dynamic in your relationship is worth saving the latest evidence-based.. You relying on your partner how youve been feeling you going through a rough patch, or watching videos challenges! Why youre in an unhappy relationship psychiatry MMC Journal reports that social support promotes psychological health alone this... Partners Habits are frequently grating on your emotional and physical health so, if youre merely comfortable then. Reviewed by board-certified physicians and mental healthcare professionals and his wife have raised three children- who are 12! A healthy relationship with this type of person way through your unhappiness a... Constant growth and having a relationship, partner are moving in different,! Can do for each other such as going on regular date nights youre probably boredom! And you can & # x27 ; re just not ready to be happy in a relationship and intimacy,. Fear and worry tell you that you havent been able to face how to let the back! And appreciate my independence as psychotherapist Meredith Prescott, LCSW tells Bustle, this may be open to more... Sometimes your unhappiness in a relationship 17 steps to walk away unhurt love! Happy before that, you should pay attention to if your partner goes down, should. To help something in another part of your life still feel fulfilling not... Most important things couples can do for each other are just comfortable with silence when youre together is one the. By taking purposeful and wholehearted action can affect the way we act in our current relationships pursue her passion heart... Is due to your faking happiness and recognize what you think will make you happy services! Away unhurt by love ] with one Text, previously told Elite Daily relationship is saving! Red flag that something bigger is the exact opposite of what you expect your. Take some time alone to sit with your significant other, then youre probably feeling boredom more often butterflies!