Maybe youâve been with your partner for a while, and things have fallen into a rut. Maybe time together isnât as enjoyable as it used to be, the spark feels like itâs dwindling, or, as a pair, youâre treading water rather than making a splash.
But the love between you might still be there, and you donât want to end the relationship. Itâs just that everything seems
⊠flat.
Welcome to relationship burnout.
Couples can experience emotional burnout, physical burnout, or a combination of both. Here are some signs and behaviors of burnout:
1. Feeling unmotivated
For burnt-out couples, venturing out for dinner or initiating time between the sheets seems more like a chore than fun.
2. You feel hopeless
We all have thoughts about the direction weâd like our relationship to take. But rather than being optimistic about your days ahead, you might feel hopeless or depressed about the relationship or itâs future.
3. Thereâs a disconnect
The disconnect could be emotional or physical.
4. Doubts are creeping in
Think the grass might be greener elsewhere? Another sign can be feeling anxiety about if this is the right person for you.
5. Patience has dwindled
You find yourself far more easily irritated or frustrated. Maybe your partnerâs habits and quirks are no longer quite so cute.
This shift in temperament can also lead to more frequent arguments or cause one of you to start taking on the ânaggingâ role.
6. One of you cheats
At its worst, relationship burnout can drive one (or both) partners to consider cheating or actually doing so. Cheating can occur if there isnât an open line of communication or in an attempt to feel excitement and change.
No one factor causes a relationship to fizzle, and reasonings vary between couples. Early in a relationship, little gestures to show much you like someone are a frequent occurrence. But, as you become more comfortable and secure, these typically fall by the wayside â which can spell trouble.
When one or both partners stop showing appreciation and stop trying to do special things for the other, it can lead to burnout.
Not spending enough time together can lead to feelings of unappreciation and frustration.
If one person is burnt out in another area of their life â such as work â this can impact their romantic relationship, as they have less time and energy to dedicate to their partner.
Steps that can help breathe life back into your partnership:
showing little signs of appreciation and affection
spend time together
opening lines of communication
You just need some optimism and willingness to put in the effort.
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