FEELING like a relationship is becoming one-sided can be exhausting.
Especially if you’re the one who is putting in most of the effort to keep things together.
Experts have shared the tell-tale signs that your partner may have mentally checked out[/caption]
And it’s bad news if they spend a lot of time on their phone[/caption]
Experts say if you suspect your other half could be checking out for your relationship, there are some telltale signs to watch out for.
From obvious red flags to subtle signs, they reveal the six changes that you should take note of.
And while you might think that most of it stems from the bedroom, it’s actually things that happen outside of it that you need to be wary of.
But don’t panic – they also shared their tips on how you can get things back on track.
Less arguing
According to James Preece, dating coach and relationship expert HeraHaven.com, it’s not a good sign if your partner becomes less interested in arguing.
While constant fighting is unhealthy in a relationship, a little bit of arguing can be healthy in keeping it strong and making sure both people are still interested in each other.
He explains: “When someone begins to disengage from disagreements it can indicate that they’ve checked out.
“You might think ceasing to engage in arguments is a positive development, but it can actually mean they feel discussions are pointless and it’s easier for them to go with the flow.
“To address it, focus on open communication to understand their needs and concerns.
“In doing so, you can foster deeper conversations in a bid to resolve any issues.”
Earlier bedtimes
A subtle sign that your partner is mentally checking out of the relationship is if they want to go to bed earlier or they often complain about being tired.
James explains that this often pairs up with a noticeable decline in having sex or being intimate together.
He said: “If someone begins to go to bed earlier or complains of tiredness, it can signal emotional distance. This behaviour often goes hand in hand with a decline in intimacy.”
However, James says there is a way to fix the issue. He suggests: “You simply need to reignite the spark.
“Consider planning a weekend away or finding personal ways that will make your partner feel valued, such as a dinner cooked for them.
“While there are many reasons someone might check out of a relationship, open communication and prioritising reconnection is key if you want to step forward.”
Increased phone use
We all go on our phones in front of our partners – especially if we live with them.
But Samantha Hayes, relationship and infidelity expert at Cheateye.ai, says that if someone is suddenly on their phone more often, then this could be a sign that they are becoming less interested.
She says: “It might be obvious but when someone is using their phone more, it can mean they are no longer interested in the relationship.
“They might be seeking distraction, avoiding meaningful conversations, or even subconsciously exploring alternatives.
“In some cases, this behaviour could be linked to reconnecting with old flames, engaging in flirty DMs, or even browsing dating apps out of curiosity rather than outright cheating — but all of these can signal an emotional shift away from their current partner.”
A change in personal appearance
A sudden change in a partner’s personal appearance can be a red flag that they’ve started to check out of the relationship.
Samantha explains: “While someone suddenly making an effort with their appearance can sometimes mean they are looking for attention elsewhere, if someone suddenly begins to make no effort in their appearance it can also reflect a lack of interest in maintaining the relationship.
“Often, this stems from personal stress or even preoccupation with someone else.
“One of the most important things to consider is whether the relationship is salvageable.
“If someone isn’t willing to acknowledge the issues or communicate, it could mean they have already made up their mind. Being emotionally unavailable in a relationship can signify the end.”
Offering a solution to fix the issue, she adds: “Recognising the signs early and initiating conversations can help you to intervene in time.
“Be sure to support your partner, be attentive to their needs and focus on open communication.
“In doing so, you can reconnect and strengthen your bond while navigating any challenges that come your way.”
Five signs your partner could be cheating on you
A RELATIONSHIP expert has revealed five tell-tale signs that your partner could be having an affair.
Amy Williams, CEO of Peachy, a leading adult toy store, says:
- Less sex – “If they constantly avoid sex with excuses about being tired or stressed, it could be a red flag.”
- Or… more sex – “People know that having less sex can lead their partners to suspect they’re having an affair, so they might force more intimacy than usual to try and cover their tracks.”
- Focus on physical – If it feels like a partner is just going through the motions, that could be a warning sign.
- New moves – “If they’re flawlessly executing something you’ve never seen before, ask yourself when they had the opportunity to practice that.”
- Something smells off – People smell different when they’ve been intimate with others – and not just because a perfume or aftershave has rubbed off on them. Humans each have a distinctive scent, and you might be able to pick it up on your partner’s skin.
Changing language
It’s not just a change in appearance you need to watch out for – a change in their language can also spell out an impending doom.
Hannah Reeves, LMFT at privatesugarclub.com, says: “When someone moves from using collective terms like ‘we’ to ‘I’ or ‘me’ it’s a red flag for emotional withdrawal.
“This is because it can mean that they’re no longer viewing the relationship as a team or a unified couple.”
Overall disinterest
And, of course, it’s a bad sign if your partner starts becoming disinterested overall about the relationship.
Hannah says: “An overall disinterest in daily life about the relationship is also an indicator that someone has checked out.
“However, it’s also important to pay close attention to how invested they are in making future plans. If they avoid this, it’s a sign of a lack of commitment and should be viewed as a red flag.
“Unfortunately, it’s not uncommon for many couples to coexist without romantic engagement – something we call the roommate effect.
“Over time, it can lead to emotional distancing and even resentment.
“As individuals, we do a certain level of distance but it shouldn’t become the norm in a relationship.
“Being able to identify when a relationship feels more like a friendship is key, and professional help might be helpful to get both individuals back on track.”
Experts have revealed how you can get your relationship back on track[/caption]
