Every relationship goes through normal highs and lows, but if you seem to be stuck in the lows more often than not, it might be time to consider if you're in a dead end relationship. Here are the top five surprising signs that you're romance isn't going anywhere, fast.
You Talk A Lot But Nothing Ever Changes
Communication is often touted as being the most important thing to have in a healthy relationship, but after all that talking there has to be some action or you aren't really moving forward at all. No matter how many long or intense conversations you have, if one person in the relationship is stalling or dragging their feet, it probably means you aren't on the same page afterall. Actions > Words!
You Want Different Things
Differences are more than ok in a relationship, nobody wants to date a carbon copy of themselves, that would get old fast. It's amazing and enlightening when the person you're dating exposes you to new things, challenges your beliefs and makes you question the status quo...however, you've got to find some common ground somewhere. Generally speaking, you both should be on the same path when it comes to the large relationship decisions you're facing. For example, if you are hoping to start a family in the next four years but your partner is firmly against children, it might be time to consider if this is the right relationship for you.
You're Bored
Real life love isn't a fairytale or a romantic comedy, and it's unrealistic to expect that you'll be floating on some cloud of love every single day. Relationships are occasionally mundane, and you might find yourself falling into habits and patterns with your significant other that aren't exactly thrilling. There is a difference between the typical relationship ups and downs and being flat our bored though. The person you're dating should make you laugh, inspire you, and should be someone you enjoy spending time with, even if it's just sitting on the couch watching Netflix.
You Feel Anxiety When You Think of the Future, Not Excitement
There is always an element of anxiety that comes into play when thinking about the future just because so much of what will happen is unknown. However, when it comes to the future of your relationship, you should be excited, not ridden with panic. Moving forward in a relationship and taking steps towards building a future together should be things that fill your heart with joy. Sure, there will be challenges and hardships as there are in any relationship, but progression with your partner should feel like a positive move, not a negative one.
You Dream About Alone Time
Is this you? You find yourself craving alone time and resenting/dreading upcoming plans with your partner. You take on extra projects and don't mind working longer hours, far from the excitement and clock watching you did in the beginning of the relationship. In short, you prefer being alone (or with your friends) than being with the person you're in a relationship with. If the thought of coming home to your significant other with no distractions fills you with dread, it might be worth taking a step back to consider why.