7 Signs Your Partner Is Pulling Away From You
It’s Tough For Some People To Be Honest About Their Feelings
The following column is the opinion and analysis of the writer. While we all know that honest communication is what fuels healthy relationships, that doesn’t mean it’s always easy.
On the contrary, opening up about anything you’re going through and exposing your feelings to someone else, even your partner, can be terrifying. That’s why, sometimes, people just withdraw instead.
Rather than leaning into vulnerability, they become distant and closed off, leaving you wondering what’s wrong and where your relationship stands.
Here Are 7 Signs Your Partner Is Pulling Away From You
In certain cases, it could be due to stress, anger, shame, or other mental health struggles. Other times, it’s an indicator that your partner’s interest is just waning, and they’re not able (or ready) to voice that yet.
Either way, a relationship cannot last when one person is unwilling to share their true thoughts and invite their significant other into their life.
So, if you’ve felt like something is “off” and there’s a growing gap in your relationship, here are seven signs that, for some reason, your partner is pulling away.
1. They Don’t Seem To Care About Your Life Anymore
It’s the appreciation (and interest) in the little things that make relationships feel safe and supportive, no matter what else is going on in life.
That’s why couples are supposed to show genuine curiosity about each other’s experiences, both big and small.
However, a partner who’s pulling away usually stops asking questions, as if they don’t care about your life at all. Whether you have an important doctor’s appointment, a stressful work meeting, a fun outing with friends, or just spent your afternoon at home, they won’t seem invested in hearing and learning about your day-to-day life, which signals they’re not fully invested in your relationship, either.
2. Your Partner Isn’t Showing You Any Attention Or Affection
It’s true that no one’s life should completely revolve around their significant other. Yet, at the same time, there’s a certain level of attention and affection that’s expected in healthy relationships.
Have you found yourself getting brushed off whenever you try to hug, touch, or just be near your partner? Moreover, do you feel like you’re fighting for their attention because they’re suddenly so focused on everything (or really, anything) else in their life?
When you’re with someone who’s fully “in” your relationship, you won’t have to beg or nag them to be attentive and loving.
3. They’ve Lost The Will To Fight (Literally)
No one particularly enjoys arguing, but fights can actually be a good sign of a balanced relationship. When two people are willing to go to bat over an issue and work through it, it shows that they both care about the outcome.
When a partner is withdrawn, on the other hand, they may just lose the motivation to fight entirely. After all, if they don’t see your relationship lasting, then they don’t have the drive to problem-solve and lay the groundwork for a more stable future with you. So, they continue ignoring conflict at all costs instead.
4. Your Partner Stopped Involving You In Decisions
Why would we choose to tie ourselves to a partner if we didn’t respect their opinion? That’s why relationships usually start off with two people caring about each other’s perspectives equally.
Yet, if feelings on one side eventually shift, then the other partner might begin getting excluded from important decisions.
Has your voice been silenced in your relationship? Does your partner now make decisions about anything from what to eat for dinner to how to spend your money unilaterally, only telling you about their choices afterward? This is a telltale sign that they’re pulling away and no longer value your input like they once did.
5. They Act Indifferent About The Future
One of the most thrilling parts about being in a relationship is getting to dream alongside your partner. It can feel like being a kid again as you two fantasize about the future together and set shared goals for your lives.
So, when your partner suddenly stops working toward those aspirations and doesn’t seem to care about the bigger picture anymore, it’s a red flag. Similar to no longer fighting, it sends a message that they’re not picturing your relationship lasting.
6. You’re No Longer A Priority
Life obviously ebbs and flows, and sometimes, other responsibilities demand more attention than our significant others. Still, that shouldn’t be the overarching theme in your relationship.
On top of that, you may have noticed that your partner is now putting other, less pressing things first, like hanging out with their friends or diving into a brand-new hobby. Of course, everyone deserves to have their own free time and personal projects, but you also deserve to be with someone who’s present and putting effort into your relationship.
If your partner seems to jump at any opportunity to prioritize other people or things over you, it’s a sign that they’re checking out.
7. The Emotional Connection Just Isn’t There
Lastly, there’s nothing more noticeable than a spark that’s just disappeared. Only you can know how your partner used to act toward and treat you, so when their behavior shifts, it’s most obvious to you, and you probably get a gut feeling that something is wrong.
I encourage you to trust that instinct and try to talk to them. Too often, people are just afraid of confronting their feelings.
But the longer you allow the tension and disconnect to quietly fester in your relationship, the more your own mental health will be affected.
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