Maybe you just really want a relationship. You may want to settle down, start a family, or simply have a partner for life, and this is clouding your judgment about being in a relationship with a specific person. You love the thought of it, but actually being in it with this person is something else.

3 / 30 Fotos

You have to walk on eggshells all the time -

If you have to constantly monitor all your words and actions and censor yourself to avoid upsetting your partner, then the relationship is doomed to fail. It’s all very well that you want to become a better version of yourself, but not being who you are, in front of the person who’s supposed to love you for who you are, is exhausting and will wear you both down at some point.

4 / 30 Fotos

You hope the person will change -

If you’re in a relationship because you’re hoping that the person will change and, finally, everything will be as it should, then this is a clear sign you’re forcing it. You’re in love with the idea of who the person might be one day, not who they are.

5 / 30 Fotos

You don’t visualize a future with the person -

Not making plans for the future is a clear sign you’re not in it for the long term. This means you don’t see yourself with that person in the future, even if you pretend to. If you both don't make plans for the future, then likely the relationship has no future.

6 / 30 Fotos

You’re not excited about the future -

When people love each other and are in happy relationships, they are excited about what comes next—they really can’t wait for it! If the thought of a future with this person doesn't bring you positive feelings, then you might just be forcing it.

7 / 30 Fotos

You’re always fighting -

If you’re constantly fighting, then there is possibly a communication problem and you're likely frustrated, angry, and unhappy. This is especially true if you argue over trivial things. Bickering can be really tiring and frustrating. How will you be able to manage difficult situations in the future if you can’t even discuss simple things without ending up in a fight?

8 / 30 Fotos

You can’t resolve conflicts -

Is the end of the relationship always imminent when you fight? Do you always end up in the same place, arguing over the same things, over and over again? Sure, every couple argues, but the key here is conflict resolution. If you both can never reach one, then this is a clear sign you’re not compatible and you might just be forcing the relationship.

9 / 30 Fotos

You prefer to be apart than together -

There is nothing wrong with spending some time alone and enjoying it. But if you and/or your partner always prefer to spend time alone rather than spending time with each other, then there's your red flag. Happy couples tend to gravitate towards each other, so if you find yourself not wanting to be with that person often, maybe you’re forcing something that just isn’t there.

10 / 30 Fotos

You wouldn’t mind if your partner broke up with you -

If you think about this, then you might just be avoiding the breakup yourself. Of course, it’s easier when the other person does it for us, but if you secretly wish it would happen and are not too fazed about it, then you have your answer. Maybe you don’t really love this person.

11 / 30 Fotos

You fake PDA -

Displays of affection should come naturally, whether in private or in public. If you’re faking displays of affection when you’re in public, just so others think your relationship is good, you are just forcing a relationship that shouldn’t be.

12 / 30 Fotos

You are considering your options -

If you are thinking about other potential partners, how you would meet them, what you would do together, etc., then this is a sign you’ve checked out of the relationship. Sure, you may have wandering eyes, and indeed feel attracted to other people, but if you are in a happy relationship you’ll stick to it, because you value the person and the relationship itself.

13 / 30 Fotos

You don’t trust the person you’re with -

A relationship cannot exist without trust. Maybe you do have reasons not to trust your partner (e.g. they lied to you in the past), or maybe it’s just you who, for whatever reason, just can’t trust that person.

14 / 30 Fotos

The person doesn’t trust you -

Trust goes both ways. If your partner feels the same, then there’s a lingering feeling of uncertainty and suspicion, and neither of you feels safe.

15 / 30 Fotos

The spark is gone -

Sure, the initial honeymoon phase will pass, but healthy, happy couples stick together and find ways to rekindle the spark. Do you really love this person, or are just forcing yourself to?

16 / 30 Fotos

Things are not the same in bed -

Maybe you have mismatched libidos, or maybe you just don’t feel attracted to your partner anymore. When things don’t work at this level, it’s a clear indicator that the relationship is not well. Do you want to be in a relationship where you feel sexually frustrated?

17 / 30 Fotos

You fake interest -

Or maybe the other person does. Are you really interested in what the person has to say, about their interests, work, or hobbies? Is your interest really genuine, or are you (or your partner) faking it?

18 / 30 Fotos

You’re not friends -

Friendship is an important element in a romantic relationship. Both of you need to enjoy spending time together, laugh, talk, and do other unromantic things. Are you good friends?

19 / 30 Fotos

You’re addicted -

Maybe your 'love' is an addiction, and not really a healthy emotion. Maybe your personality and relationship attachment type have something to do with it. Is it the person you love, or the feeling that person gives you? Do you feel like you “depend” on this person to be happy? These are all questions you should consider.

20 / 30 Fotos

You don’t feel comfortable, or safe -

Trust, comfort, and safeness are natural in healthy relationships. The absence of these are not. If you feel this way, for whatever reason, maybe it’s time to question what you’re doing with this person.

21 / 30 Fotos

It’s just hard to love each other -

Maybe it’s your emotional baggage or maybe it’s your partner’s that stands in the way between you two. Or maybe you really like this person, but the love just isn’t there, no matter how hard you try. Love should come naturally, not be forced.

22 / 30 Fotos

You disagree on important things -

If you have different values and goals, and are not on the same page in many important things, then you might just be forcing compatibility where there is none.

23 / 30 Fotos

You love them... sometimes -

Sure, there are moments and situations where we love our partners more than others, but, overall, there should be a consistent baseline feeling there at all times.

24 / 30 Fotos

You are forcing yourself to love them -

For whatever reason, love doesn't come naturally towards this person, yet you force yourself to feel it. Maybe you know you can love more, or differently, and really try to force yourself to get to that place, but it just doesn't happen that way.

25 / 30 Fotos

You are forcing them to love you -

The opposite is also true. Maybe the other person just doesn’t love you as much as you’d like. But you can’t make someone love you, so you might just be forcing a relationship where you’ll feel like you’re lacking something you desire.

26 / 30 Fotos

You don’t want to accept it’s over -

Maybe you or your partner just don’t want to accept that the relationship has come to an end, even though you have all the signs you need to come to this conclusion. It’s hard to break up, but postponing it is not the answer.

27 / 30 Fotos

You’re afraid -

You’re afraid of leaving the person. Maybe you’re afraid to be alone, or perhaps you’re just afraid to change things in your life. Forcing a relationship out of fear, though, is not the solution.

28 / 30 Fotos

You just know it -

Listen to your gut. Maybe your instinct tells you that something is not quite right, even if you can’t exactly pinpoint it. Deep down, you know that relationship is not meant to be, and yet, you choose to stay. Until when?

Sources: (A Conscious Rethink) (The Everygirl) (Bonobology) (Marriage.com)

Signs you're forcing a relationship

Ways we avoid the dreaded breakup

11/04/24 | StarsInsider

LIFESTYLE Romance

Relationships are complex, and many of us endure them when, deep down, we know things are not quite right. We may be stuck and indeed forcing a relationship for a number of reasons. From ignoring red flags, to incompatibility issues, we trick ourselves into staying in a relationship that we know has come to an end.

Do you feel this may be your case? Then click through the following gallery and see if you can identify these signs in your relationship.