Long-term relationships need more than love to sustain. This article explores what else your relationship needs more than love. Scroll down for more information.
1. When There Is A Lack Of Compatibility
Those in a compatible relationship with their partner will work together at every level. Compatibility is sharing the same interests and goals and handling each other’s differences, resolving conflicts, and planning the future while staying on the same page. But certain relationships are not compatible. While one is willing to put all the effort into the relationship, the other may not. At times, you may love your partner, but you may not be able to accept their differences. These are signs of a lack of compatibility in the relationship.
2. When Things Beyond Your Control Happen
Life can get hard sometimes. Stressful episodes in your life, like discovering a severe illness, the death of a loved one, or something else beyond our control can happen. Such instances can change you forever. In such cases, a relationship can crumble if it has been standing on the foundation of love alone.
3. When You Are Mature But Your Partner Is Not (Or Vice Versa)
Many people have immature partners who refuse to grow up. The relationship grows apart in such cases. This is because most people’s thought processes, needs, and interests change over time. A relationship can suffer if all it has is mere love.
4. When There Are Ego Issues
Ego issues are common in every relationship. Ego clashes arise when you, your significant other, or both are unwilling to make up or resolve the conflicts in your relationship. Such problems generally occur due to fear of loss of control over the other person or any other insecurity. Imagine a scenario when you are not willing to apologize to your partner even when you know you were wrong. Such ego issues can take a toll on the relationship.
5. When Toxicity Has Developed In Your Relationship
While you were having a blissful streak of good days in your relationship earlier, your partner suddenly becomes abusive. People in toxic relationships usually do not give up. They hope that their partner will change one day, or they believe their happiness solely depends on their relationship. However, toxic relationships worsen with time. Lack of mutual respect is often a cause for a relationship to go toxic.
6. When Trust Is Broken
Your partner lied to you or cheated on you. But you forgave them and your relationship appears normal now. Although cheating may not mean the end of a relationship, rarely can trust be re-established. There are also chances that your partner may break your trust again. When you lose trust in someone, it is hard to confide in them again.
7. When Differences Exist Between You And Your In-laws
A relationship like marriage always happens between two families. But such a relationship may not work if the parents do not approve of it. Societal issues, a partner’s socioeconomic status, career, and lifestyle choices are some reasons the older members of a family may not approve of a relationship.
8. When There Is No Communication
Communication is the key to a healthy relationship. If you do not communicate with your partner effectively, they would not understand your needs, thoughts, and other things that matter to you. The same goes for them too. Lack of proper communication can shake the foundation of a relationship, even if there is love between the partners.
9. When You Are In A Long-Distance Relationship
Long-distance relationships are hard, and they get harder when the distance between the couple prolongs. Most long-distance relationships do not tend to last forever. Dating someone who is geographically separated from you and has a lower probability of relocating can take a serious toll on your relationship.
10. When Your Physical Needs Are Vastly Different
Everyone has different wants and desires when it comes to a physical relationship. You may want more frequent sex than your partner or vice-versa. You may be willing to compromise as long as you know you are with the right person. However, this is not always the case with everyone. Some couples have different needs surrounding physical intimacy and sex. Lack of sexual satisfaction may cause problems in a relationship even when there is love.
Signs Something Is Missing In Your Relationship
Is love all you need to sustain a happy and healthy relationship? In reality, you can love your partner deeply and still feel your relationship is missing something. Certain elements complete a relationship, and the relationship may not seem enough even if one of those elements is missing. Following are certain signs that tell you that something is amiss in your relationship. These can help you make the necessary adjustments to make your relationship work.
1. You Are Not Your Partner’s Priority
Although you may want your partner to spend time with their loved ones, you would not want them to prioritize their other relationships over yours. Is your significant other making you feel less important? That’s a sign that needs to be addressed immediately.
2. Timings Are Off
You may want to settle down with the love of your life, but they still may need more time. However, that does not mean you need to separate from them. Give them time and see what else they can offer you in the present. If nothing seems to progress, it could be a sign that something is amiss in your relationship.
3. You Are The Only One Putting In Any Effort
No relationship can last a lifetime if the effort does not come from both the people involved. A committed person will make effort to be in the relationship no matter how hard it gets. It’s time to rethink if you are the only one initiating conversations, taking care of your partner, and doing things that require mutual effort.
4. Your Partner Does Not Show Accountability
A partner who is not accountable for their actions will only keep blaming you for all the conflicts in the relationship. This is not a sign of a healthy relationship. It may even result in sacrifices from one end. Is your partner always playing the blame-game? Do not ignore that sign. Are you sure you are in the right relationship? Asking yourself a few important questions can help you understand.
Questions To Ask Yourself
How do I feel about myself when I am with my partner? Is my life better with or without them? Do they know the real me, or are they willing to know? Are my core values aligned with their values? Is my partner making me a better person?
Can you love one person your whole life? Yes, you can love one person your whole life. But understand that a romantic bond requires patience, effort, and contribution by both members, as do all relationships. You and your partner have to put in the work to keep the spark alive and the love burning for each other.
