Common Traits of Unhappy Couples

When you’ve been in a beautiful relationship for a while, there will be significant and minor conflicts (such as how much money you’re spending versus conserving, or, when she forgets to unload the dishwasher again).

However, going through a hard patch is not the same as being in an unhappy relationship. It’s natural to be sad in a relationship from time to time. However, if there is a substantial increase in the frequency and intensity of your feelings—to the point where your lives are now more parallel than intertwined, or you consistently favor friends over your partner—this could be a sign of a painful transition.

However, simply being unhappy in the relationship doesn’t imply it’s time to end it, separate, or divorce. In some circumstances, treatment and regular check-ins can help to resolve concerns. In this article, let’s discuss nine warning signs of unhappy marriages.

1. There is constant criticism 

Constant criticism indicates that feelings of affection and love for one another have given way to judgment. It’s not a good sign if you’re continuously criticizing each other. Consider your language to determine whether you’re making a constructive complaint or criticizing your partner. Criticism is frequently delivered in words like “you always” or “never.”

“Healthy feedback focuses on the conduct, not the person,” said Kurt Smith, a therapist specializing in men’s counseling in Roseville, California. “We can express our thoughts and feelings to our spouse without criticizing them as a person.”

2. Intolerance of differences

Some characteristics or habits irritate every partner in almost every relationship. Couples fundamentally fall into two groups: those where the partners tend to focus on other (more positive) traits of each other, and those where the partners grow more preoccupied or stuck on each other’s flaws. Couples that become increasingly impatient with each other’s actions, behavioral traits, or character “flaws” risk breaking up quickly.

3. Someone is keeping score

In a solid and healthy relationship, keeping count has no place. It will just make the one on the “losing end” feel like they’re not receiving what they deserve, and the other person feels like they’re not good enough.

It’s common to record little details, such as who is doing the chores this week.

What’s worse is when they note who is putting in more effort in the relationship, such as who buys gifts or pays for things. Love must be selfless. When you genuinely love someone, you must strive to make them happy while embracing everything they have to offer without complaint.

4. They forgive but never forget

The inability to forget past mistakes or harsh remarks made by your partner can indicate a strained relationship. Perhaps you’re hiding a past incident rather than accepting responsibility and apologizing for it. Or perhaps you simply can’t stop couching a routine comment once uttered as a pattern—and bringing it up repeatedly after every dispute (or after a few glasses), regardless of how long ago it occurred.

Couples fight, which is why it’s an issue. That is self-evident concerning the overall quality of your courting. However, unhappy couples cannot overcome disputes.

5. Little to no interest in the details of your partner’s life and their passions

There is a distinction between fake interest and forced curiosity, compared to genuine curiosity and interest. Most people can detect and notice when your curiosity is heightened.

You could be surprised to learn that some people lose interest in knowing the intricacies of their partner’s inner life as time goes on. It is risky since, in Stephen Covey’s book (The Seven Principles of Highly Effective People), what’s essential to the person you love must also be important to you.

6. Sweeping issues “under the rug” 

It is related to “stonewalling,” as defined by Dr. Gottman, and happens when one individual avoids conflicts and closes down from their spouse. It prepares couples for growing apart in their relationship. When this happens regularly, it does foreshadow a separation or divorce.

7. Fighting more often than getting along

Every couple will have disagreements, and sometimes even a fight. When you put two people from completely different backgrounds together, with different temperaments, preferences, values, and likes, there will be occasions when you do not cooperate on things and even get upset with each other. It is both natural and unavoidable.

However, it is a red flag if you frequently fight over insignificant matters. It suggests that there is more beneath the surface than meets the eye. Perhaps there are some underlying grudges at work that are developing.

8. The excitement in the relationship is replaced with mundane living

Unhappy couples may discover that their relationship has lost its luster. Work, kids, chores, or other dull everyday tasks have replaced fun outings, secret getaways, spontaneous vacations, passionate intercourse, or even unusual gifts. Worse, it could have been substituted by alcohol or drugs.

It might be difficult for partners in dysfunctional relationships to inject enthusiasm into a relationship they aren’t excited about. The spark is no longer present. Things that were once exciting have become a nuisance. Once you’ve reached this point, it’s challenging to return to a relationship that puts you on your toes, but it’s not impossible. Both sides must be prepared to put aside their disagreements and give it their best go.

9. They no longer say ‘please’ and ‘thank you’

In everyone’s life, manners are very important. Just because you’ve been together for six months or six years doesn’t mean you should stop thanking your spouse for passing you sweetener for your coffee or warming up your vehicle ten minutes before you leave. Failing to say “please” and “thank you”—or any other indication of gratitude—can demonstrate carelessness and a lack of gratitude for one another over time.

Conclusion

Is there any possibility your relationship may be saved with so many problems? The answer is both yes and no. It all depends on how complicated your situation is. If your relationship has become complacent or careless, repairing it should be achievable with some effort.

However, you have a mountain to climb if you spend most of your day together trying to strike each other in the head. You might not even make it. However, it is always advisable to give it your all.

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