When your head and your heart have been engaged in constant conflicts in recent times; you keep having questions but you don’t like the answers. You tell yourself you’re being too quick to conclude when it’s just a slight mistake. You’re not sure if it’s time to move on or dig in your heels and fight for love. Here are some red flags to look out for in your relationship:
Spending More Time With Third Parties
This is a silent killer of relationships because it causes people to drift apart but quietly, especially when people aren’t very observant, it can be a dangerous thing. You know those failed relationships where people can’t explain how it happened, they just suddenly observed that they’re like good neighbours and nothing more…..In most cases, this is the culprit.
When your LOML starts enjoying the company of other people more than yours, it’s not so hard to tell. It’s usually obvious in the amount of time they spend with their new ‘muse’ or even other people (male/female), consciously or unconsciously.
Interestingly, once they spend more time with them, they’ll also spend more time talking about them even when they’re talking to you. You know what they say about energy and focus flowing in the same direction. If it’s not in your direction, it is going elsewhere. Once you notice the shift in attention, it might be wise to call for a conversation ASAP if you’re still interested in that relationship.
Being Secretive
This is a no-brainer! Once your partner starts smuggling their phone(s) and passwords around like it’s the latest contraband in Nigeria or they’re running off to the toilet to take the mechanic’s call, it is usually a telltale sign of “issues.” People don’t hide things when they don’t have a reason to. I know some people would say, “the phones are off limits from day one” but what’s a relationship without trust? Or how do we say this with a modicum of decency, “I trust you with my body and privacy but my phone is more precious than those, so stay away from it!”
I think it’s a case of misplaced priorities and you need to decide if that’s stuff you want to deal with but the moment phone passwords join the list of issues you have to deal with in a relationship, just know that y’all are headed for the rocks!
Change of Titles
Once your name changes from the usual pet name/endearment like “babe” to your first name or your native name, or they add brother/sister as a prefix to your name, *laughs in anticipated turbulence* just start putting your heart in order because breakfast might be around the corner. Sometimes, they might not be bold enough to call you that way to your face but would change the way your contact is saved on their phone or change your special ringtone to the general ringtone.
When The Defenses Go Back Up
Another red flag that indicates your relationship is headed for the rocks is when those walls go back up. When people start intentionally shutting you out and redefining boundaries you’ve gone past before now. For instance, they might say, “Please don’t call me after a specific time, it’s too late” or “don’t visit me without my permission, I don’t appreciate such surprises from you.” It’s clear-cut evidence that something has gone south and needs fixing ASAP! Some might even take it a step further by stonewalling you and avoiding communication at all costs.
Communication Breakdown
Communication is a major pillar in any relationship. Every other problem can be solved leveraging right communication but the moment communication breaks down in a relationship, it’s a sure sign you’ve reached the beginning of the end. This is because the absence of communication breeds all sorts of chaos; from misunderstandings to aggression to various shades of vengeful behavior.
Verbal And Physical Abuse
This is the height of degeneration in a relationship. It is characterized by repeated acts of ill treatment, cruelty and violence and it can come in any form. It could be emotional, verbal and or physical. When a relationship gets to this point, it is best for both parties to stay away from each other while trying to seek out solutions if you’re still interested in going forward with the relationship. Anything or anyone that puts you down or makes you feel less (whether subtly done or not) is not deserving of you, you don’t have to feel guilty about it, raise your head high and walk away knowing you deserve better!
Truth is not all problems in relationships should lead to a dissolution. Sometimes, we just need to put in the necessary effort to get the desired results and that’s the purpose of this article; to point out those red flags, so you can identify them timely and work on them.
P.S – This is exclusive of abusive relationships as the best thing to do with those is to exit the ship and run for your life.
I hope with these few points of mine, you can easily spot the loopholes in your relationship and draw a road map to a better resolution. I’m rooting for you!
Join me and let’s discuss more insightful tips about relationships in the “Dating and Relationship” community on Fusion….xoxo
4,025 Responses
fashionpulse – Clearly showcases trending items for easy discovery and selection.
careerconnect – Provides practical guidance for professionals looking to improve skills and advance.
intentionalflow – Shows how clarity and purpose strengthen ongoing momentum.
do what you plan – Practical guidance for ensuring thoughts translate into actions
easy gift guide – Shows clear steps to select meaningful gifts without confusion
learn to implement – The advice is concise and encourages immediate action.
thinkclearly – Motivating content, shows that clear comprehension of ideas is essential before taking action.
directionalmomentum – Useful advice, demonstrates how structured direction creates sustainable momentum and outcomes.
focusforgrowth – Engaging site, shows how focused actions contribute to long-term success and progress.
gentleprogress – Highlights progress that feels sustainable and well-paced.
clarityfocusedprogress – Highlights that defined priorities and planning ensure effective advancement.
focusforgrowth – Highlights how concentrating efforts drives steady progress in any area.
smart clean methods – Really appreciate how clear and usable these strategies are in real life
focusedclarity – Demonstrates that clarity fuels steady progress and effective achievement.
startstrong – Motivates users to take the first steps toward success confidently.
claritythroughmovement – Inspiring guidance, shows that momentum and action produce clear outcomes quickly.
topfinds – Organizes items for a pleasant, straightforward shopping journey.
stepbyintent – Highlights that mindful actions create a reliable path to progress.
organized path to success – Offers guidance to create a clear route toward lasting progress
tangible results tips – Encourages structured planning to achieve real outcomes
clarityguidesprogress – Practical insights, shows that clear understanding ensures progress is focused and efficient.
trending market insights – Provides practical ways to stay updated on trends around the world
ideasintopractice – Practical insights, shows that acting on ideas drives consistent results.
steadyclarity – Emphasizes that clear thinking fuels long-term and intentional growth.
ideasforward – Explains how direction helps ideas move toward completion.
purposeflow – Encourages intentional actions that maintain energy and direction.
lifetips – Gives clear advice to improve everyday life effortlessly.
purposefulexecution – Demonstrates that deliberate strategies result in consistent and impactful outcomes.
resultswithfocus – Practical guidance, shows how focused effort consistently drives tangible and meaningful results.
shophappily – Makes browsing effortless while creating a positive and stress-free environment.
forwardgrowth – Demonstrates that clear direction keeps development consistent.
momentum inspiration hub – It sparks motivation and reinforces persistence in action.
open ended progress – Encourages movement forward without artificial caps
focusedpathway – Inspiring advice, demonstrates that clear focus on direction enables steady and meaningful progress.
clarity first – Emphasizes setting a clear direction before moving forward quickly
stepwise progress – Offers practical methods to move forward effectively and intentionally
bestdealsforlife – Practical offers, content feels reliable and makes finding deals effortless and convenient.
actnowthinklater – Emphasizes that prioritizing movement over thought produces faster and more consistent results.
actionstrategy – Shows that strategic, directed action produces consistent success.
directionboost – Helps sustain forward movement with minimal friction in tasks.
clearframeworks – Shows how structure turns effort into steady momentum.
nowforideas – Shows that prompt implementation of ideas leads to measurable achievements.
structuredclarity – Demonstrates that organized planning strengthens results over time.
actionpath – Motivates moving from ideas to concrete steps for meaningful outcomes.
focusforgrowth – Motivating guidance, highlights that concentrating on priorities drives tangible and meaningful results.
claritydrivesresults – Practical advice, shows how clarity helps prioritize actions that produce measurable results.
work creates outcomes – Underlines the link between effort and achievement
intentionalprogress – Shows how deliberate actions ensure steady and meaningful advancement.
progressthroughaction – Highlights that execution of ideas transforms vision into measurable progress.
clarityboost – Provides strategies to use clear objectives for continuous advancement.