10 Signs of a Troubled Relationship

Dave and Karen had been together for five years. They had their share of fights, but one night, Karen looked at Dave and said, “I’m done here. It is over!”

Shocked, Dave knew things were a little rocky in the relationship for the past few years, but end the relationship? Honestly, he didn’t see it coming.

Did he miss the signs?

Yes, here is what he overlooked:

1) Karen had checked out emotionally. She was no longer concerning herself with the emotional side of the relationship.

2) Dave and Karen spent most of their time distracting themselves with activities and family life, rather than spending time together. They couldn’t remember the last time they prayed together or talked about spiritual things.

3) When conflict came up, they didn’t discuss it. They avoided the tension they felt.

4) The couple never discussed the lost love they were feeling until it was too late.

5) They never considered going to a couple therapist, a pastor, or another couple to see if they could work on the relationship and bring back those loving feelings.

6) One partner was completely unaware of how deeply upset the other was; they were out of touch with each other’s emotional lives.

7) They never talked about the future. They were not sharing dreams, plan or goals for their family and each other.

8) Needs were not communicated and not being met.

9) Fighting led to bad feelings that never were repaired.

10) Both felt emotionally distant, but didn’t address it. Instead, they allowed themselves to grow apart.

If you identify with these signs, your relationship needs emergency help. Don’t overlook the signs of relationship trouble. Talk to your partner and ask how things are going. Are you both feeling good about the relationship or is one or both of you feeling emotionally distant?

If you need help, seek couple therapy. It works when people are willing to address their issues. Go back to church or make an appointment with a pastor or spiritual mentor. Usually when a relationship is falling apart, spiritual issues are also on the back burner and intimacy with God is lacking as well.

Nothing is impossible with God, but you have to take action and work on the 10 problems listed. Right now, pray and do what is necessary to deal with a troubled relationship.