16 signs your partner is becoming emotionally distant and your relationship is heading for a breakup

Noticing signs of a breakup doesn’t necessarily mean it’s the end of the line for your relationship.

This could suggest your partner may have doubts about your relationship. Having an open and honest conversation with your partner is crucial to clarifying the status of your relationship.

How can you tell if someone might break up with you? If you feel something is wrong, it could be a sign. Keep reading to find out what clues to look for.

1. Your partner is acting too formal around you.

The comfortable feeling you once had is gone. If your partner now seems uneasy and acts differently, it might mean the relationship is ending.

2. Your partner focuses on negatives in happy memories.

If your partner talks negatively about memories you once saw as happy, it could be a sign something is wrong.

Focusing on small problems from those times might indicate a need for a conversation. Sometimes, the issue might be something your partner is dealing with alone.

3. Your partner wants to be financially independent.

When a partner starts managing their own finances and separating money from the relationship, it signals they’re preparing to be independent, says Marriage.com.

This shift often indicates a breakup is coming and usually happens before final decisions are made.

4. Your partner shares only selective information.

If your partner feels distant, they might share less, and conversations may feel more strained.

Licensed therapist Kia James says that when your partner stops sharing important events, it signals fading intimacy.

“You should not ignore the distance,” James said. “Tell your partner that you miss the connection between the two of you. Say you would like to work on and improve the relationship.”

5. They keep bringing up the idea of breaking up.

Suppose your partner frequently talks about ending the relationship, even over minor issues. In that case, it might indicate they seek attention rather than a stable relationship. This could be a sign they’re planning to break up with you.

6. Your plans for the future don’t align.

“If your partner says that they don’t want marriage, listen to what they are saying,” Stefanie Safran, a matchmaker and owner of Stef and the City, told Insider.

Just because you’ve been together for years or live together doesn’t mean they want something permanent. If marriage is important to you and your partner disagrees, it’s better to accept their stance rather than hoping to change their mind or ignore the issue.

7. Your partner makes plans with others.

Noticing signs of a breakup, such as your partner being too busy for you while spending time with others, tells you that a breakup is near. Frequent occurrences suggest it’s time to recognize that things have changed and consider moving on.

8. Your partner comes up with excuses.

If your partner frequently makes excuses for not meeting up, it might indicate they want to break up. These excuses can start small but become more common and often aren’t true.

If they’re avoiding you without being honest, it’s a sign they may want to end the relationship.

9. Your partner is showing interest in other people.

A key sign of a possible breakup is if your partner talks about being attracted to other people. This could suggest they’re looking for someone else, and you should prepare for a breakup.

10. Your partner appears distant.

If your partner seems mentally and emotionally distant, it could mean your relationship is ending, says Kristie Overstreet, a licensed counselor and psychotherapist.

You should talk to them about their behavior using “I” statements without sounding whiny or blaming them.

Ask directly if they are pulling away or don’t want to be in the relationship. If you must convince them to stay, it’s best to let it go.

11. Your partner is not happy with you anymore.

If your partner isn’t laughing or enjoying things as they used to, they might be unhappy. Depressed people often end relationships.

Asking questions like “Are you breaking up because of your mental health or because of me?” can help clarify their feelings before making a decision.

12. You’re growing apart.

People often distance themselves when they’re unhappy or unsure. Letting your partner bridge the gap alone is best, but it could also indicate they want to break up.

13. Your partner starts to ignore you.

Noticing signs of a breakup, such as your partner stopping compliments and showing indifference when you’re struggling, may indicate they’re losing interest and could be planning to break up with you.

14. Your partner views time together as a chore.

Couples spend much time together at the beginning of a relationship, but this often decreases as routines settle in.

While spending time apart is normal, it’s a concern if your partner treats time with you as a chore.

Therapist Julie Williamson says that feeling like you’re just one of many can be troubling. Both partners should be equally committed to maintaining trust.

Ensure you both support each other. If your partner starts pulling away or not prioritizing you, it’s important to have an open discussion.

15. You never fight or argue anymore.

It’s normal for couples to have disagreements and small arguments. However, suppose your partner isn’t interested in resolving issues. In that case, they might feel the relationship isn’t going to last, according to Jess O’Reilly, a relationship expert and advice columnist.

16. Your sex life becomes dull.

Research shows that sex is key to a healthy relationship because it fulfills emotional needs. If your partner seems unwilling or disinterested in being intimate, it might indicate she wants to end the relationship and isn’t as invested.

While these signs suggest you should try to save your relationship, here’s a video that shows signs you need to break up: