Unhappy Relationship Signs: 5 Reasons Why Relationships Break Down

Relationships can break down over time, but there is hope! Knowing what signs to look for allows you to be prepared and rectify situations before the complete dissolution occurs.

1. Communication Breakdown. When communication starts breaking down, and what you say (or don’t say) to your partner is being misinterpreted, this is one of the red flags that there are deeper issues in the relationship. Two examples of this kind of communication disconnection include:
   • Misinterpreting Messages – Without a clear understanding of what is being said, misinterpreting can occur which will ultimately lead to arguments.
   • Refusing to Listen or Assuming – This usually happens when the person listening does not like what they are hearing and decides to tune their partner out or make assumptions as to what is being said.

   A breakdown of communication is a critical sign of an unhappy relationship and can be indicative of unresolved issues and suppressed emotions from childhood that manifest themselves through actions and behaviors toward their spouse or partner.

2. Breakdown of Intimacy. Intimacy is not just physical, it is also emotional, and when one or both partners feel a lack of either, this can potentially cause conflict sooner than later.
   • Physical Intimacy – The physical aspect of intimacy is the driving force in a relationship and does not necessarily require emotional intimacy, but without it, it can feel like a betrayal.
   • Emotional Intimacy – The emotional component grows and deepens between two people in a relationship, and a healthy love relationship cannot exist without emotional intimacy.

   A healthy relationship requires both physical and emotional intimacy, which both contribute to creating a harmonious, balanced connection. Not having a balanced connection in this way is a big factor in contributing to the breakdown of a relationship or marriage.

3. Breakdown of Trust. Another critical sign of an unhappy relationship is when a relationship loses the foundation on which all relationships are built: trust. It is because of trust in our relationships that we feel safe in them, comforted, and bonded. A breakdown of trust can occur due to many factors including:
   • Infidelity
     1. Physical/Sexual
     2. Emotional
   • Jealousy
   • Lack of Reliability or Dependability
   • Lack of Mutually Supportive Goals
   • Lack of Financial Compatibility

   Trust issues need to be addressed; if not, they will manifest and keep resurfacing causing the relationship or marriage to be at risk.

4. Breakdown of Finances. When money issues develop it can trigger some of our deepest psychological needs and fears including:
   • Security
   • Power
   • Control
   • Survival
   • Trust

   The longer a couple has been in a relationship, the higher the chances are of having financial issues arise which is yet another pivotal sign of an unhappy relationship.

5. Breakdown Due to Growing Apart. Relationships go through ups and downs with time and growing apart can happen due to many reasons such as:
   • Change in Life Obligations: Work, school, having children, empty nest syndrome
   • Lack of Commitment
   • Lack of Compatibility
   • Different Expectations: Expectations are resentments in disguise, after all!

Early Warning Signs

• Not having sex as often or it isn’t what it used to be
• Not participating in activities together as much as before
• Having recurring arguments over the same issues without any resolution
• One partner spends more time on activities or interests that are outside the relationship.
• One or both feel dissatisfied and unhappy

When a relationship grows apart, solidifying it back together can be a challenge, especially if it has been brewing for a while. Thankfully, there is hope for this and all the other signs of an unhappy relationship at Miami Hypnosis & Therapy where relationship difficulties can be resolved in a safe and supportive environment. We can also help you and your partner identify potential issues individually that may be contributing to upsets in your shared, daily life.

Anna Marchenko, LMHC, M.A., Ed.M. is the principal practitioner who completed her undergraduate degree at NYU as well as holding dual Masters degrees from Columbia University. Anna is a Certified Clinical Hypnotherapist who also did Post-graduate work at the International Institute for Interpersonal Hypnotherapy.

Knowing when to consider relationship counseling starts with the desire to take that first step in rekindling your relationship by deepening emotional bonds, addressing recurring negative patterns of behavior, and revitalizing the passion you once had. Take the first step today, together, and make an appointment for that positive relationship transformation you seek.