Those (Not So) Innocent Everyday Habits
Rolling your eyes, always wanting to be right, skipping “hello” and “goodbye”… Harmless, right? Think again! These little behaviors pack a punch in relationships. Why? Because, over time, they chip away at connection and respect without us even realizing. In the early days, every greeting and farewell felt special. But lately, those small kindnesses? Gone missing. That’s a red flag.
“When couples are on the verge of breaking up, they not only stop doing the little things that show affection—like bringing flowers or saying ‘I love you’—but also stop saying hello and goodbye. Often, partners avoid even the simplest interactions, or don’t respond when the other makes a gesture. It’s as if the other person isn’t even there. They’re ignored,”
explains psychologist Anne Crowley (in an interview with the Huffington Post).
Annoyed by Your Partner for No Reason?
When the person you love starts to get on your nerves, that’s often a warning sign. Maybe it’s a personality trait you once adored, or even something physical that now irritates you. Sometimes it goes further: you genuinely have a better time when your partner is not around. Your body language says it all…
According to a study by John Gottman, one of the most renowned couples therapists, contempt is the surest sign you’re heading towards a breakup. It reflects both disgust and a sense of superiority over your partner.
It can show up as eye-rolling, sarcasm, mocking laughter, and condescending comments—especially when your partner is upset. All of these are signs of contempt (whether you’re giving or receiving it), and none are good news.
Contempt reveals itself in rejection, belittling, or ridicule. The antidote? Empathy. You have to re-humanize your partner by remembering what you have in common,
shares American therapist Elizabeth Earnshaw, also interviewed by the Huffington Post.
The Plans Just… Stop
If you and your partner aren’t planning things together anymore—no trips, no talk of buying a home, adopting a pet, or raising a family—well, that’s not a great sign. This lack of shared vision usually means neither of you really sees the relationship having a future.
From Deep Talks to Shallow Chats (or None at All)
Conversations can shrink into something shallow and distracted. You notice you’re not really listening, and the spark in your exchanges is just missing. Everything remains superficial, and nobody seems truly invested in the conversation anymore.
Sometimes, discussions become battlegrounds. Even the smallest issue turns into a power struggle, and suddenly, every disagreement feels like a win-or-lose game.
As one therapist explains, “Couples on the brink of breakup tend to become competitive. Each one absolutely wants to ‘win’. Every problem or disagreement becomes a fight to the death.”
Then again, in some cases, arguments drop off completely—not because things are great, but because one or both partners have quietly decided to end it. So what’s the point of fighting, or asking what could be different? Change just feels pointless.
“Some couples on the verge of a breakup will argue more, while others will stop altogether. One (or both) have already decided to end the relationship. Fighting or asking what could be done differently no longer matters. Trying to change things seems like wasted energy. So some couples actually experience less tension; the triggers are simply ignored, just like any attempts at real discussion,”
explains Australian sexologist Isiah McKimmie in the Huffington Post.
Whether you see it coming or not, the little everyday choices we make can either support our relationship—or quietly point the way toward a breakup. Consider this your friendly wake-up call: check your habits, check in with each other, and maybe keep those hellos and goodbyes alive just a bit longer.
John is a curious mind who loves to write about diverse topics. Passionate about sharing his thoughts and perspectives, he enjoys sparking conversations and encouraging discovery. For him, every subject is an invitation to discuss and learn.
