Sometimes its painfully obvious when a relationship has run its course.
Other times, a breakup can seem like it came out of nowhere, leaving you feeling blindsided.
Turns out there is.
This pattern can be repeated for weeks, months, or even several years.
So lets talk about those 16 signs, and what each partner can do to prepare for each step.
Theyve appeared on multiple seasons of Bravos showMillionaire Matchmakerand are married (to each other).
OK, lets go!
A partner loses interest in his or her significant other.
Tip for the partner losing interest:Communicate, communicate, communicate!
This is the number one, most important component in any relationship.
And if youre over yours, dont be passive aggressivelet your partner know.
Examine why you may be feeling these new feelings of fading interest.
Have you been putting in the same amount of effort toward acknowledging your partners presence and needs?
Before ending things, ask yourself Have I done my best as a partner to keep the relationship interesting?
If not, put in the work before heading out the door.
Tip for the other partner:Same thing here.
If you feel like things are off, talk to your partner and ask questions.
The disinterested partner starts to notice attractive, potential alternative dating partners.
Cheating is never OK.
Noticing attractive alternative options is natural, especially if you feel like your heart isnt fully in it anymore.
attempt to assess what your current partner brings to the table.
Are you still turned on by things they do?
Is there still a spark?
Tip for the other partner:Have you noticed that your significant other has wandering eyes?
If so, its time to get real with them and discuss what is really going on.
If your partner cant be honest with you, walk away.
It may be hard and hurt, but it will be worse if you find them cheating on you.
The disinterested partner begins to withdraw from the relationship emotionally and/or physically.
Tip for the disinterested partner:Again, the keyword here iscommunication.
Lay it out clearly and civilly.
Maybe its a simple fix or misunderstanding, or maybe some couples therapy could help.
Or maybe its time to say Weve tried, and its just not meant to be.
Its all about self-awareness.
Do you tend to withdraw once your relationships get to a certain point?
Is this a habit you have built to avoid the extra-serious part of a longterm commitment?
If so, snap out of it.
Go to couples therapy or see a therapist on your own to work toward better self-awareness.
Tip for the other partner: If you notice your partner start to withdraw, let them know.
Dont be passive aggressive, or assume, or catastrophize.
Ask them questions and let them know how they are making you feel.
Have you talked to them about their mental state?
Have you done anything to have a go at progress the relationship instead of letting it stagnate?
Do those things and then discuss how you’re able to move forward.
The partners make a run at work things out.
Tip for both partners:Communicate feelings in a way that allows your partner to really hear you.
People tend tolistenmore than theyhear.
When speaking to each other, use me and I statements instead of you statements.
Pointing fingers and placing blame just make the defensive walls go up.
Make your point in small increments so your partner has time to soak it in.
The partners spend less time together.
Ask each other questions, express how you feel and give a shot to resolve it.
Set aside time for more intimacynot just physically, but mentally and emotionally.
Prioritize at least a few days out of the week just for your partner so you both feel loved.
A lack of interest resurfaces again.
Tip for the disinterested partner:Again, communicate!
(We cant stress it enough.)
Let your partner know things have gone backwards.
Tip for the other partner: The same thing applies: communicate.
It may be time to end things.
One partner, or perhaps this time both of them, considers ending things permanently.
Its a simple way to assess what the best next move should be.
If there are more cons, end the relationship as amicably as possible.
The partners communicate their feelings with each other.
Partners should have a strategy on the best way to communicate with one another.
The partners take a stab at work things out again.
Tip for both partners:Our previous advice applies here as well.
Despite still trying to work things out, one or both begin to notice other people.
Listen to your gut while trying to respect your partners feelings.
One or both partners begin to act distant.
One or both may go on dates with other people, while still seeing each other.
Tip for both partners:If this is an agreed-upon arrangement, thenmake sure you set boundaries and rules.
Discuss what is allowed and what is not.
Will you continue seeing other people forever?
Will you want to eventually exit the relationship again?
The cycle repeats itself as the partners decide to get back together again and try one last time.
Tip for both partners:Keep things as healthy as possible this time.
Do not fall back into old habits.
Go into this renewed relationship as if its with a brand-new person.
The past is in the past.
Agree to not bring up past fights or disagreements.
One or both partners considers breaking up again.
Tip for both partners:End it.
Its time to move on.
Do whats best for you and your partner, and cut ties.
The sooner the better.
The couple breaks up.
Tip for both partners:OK, so youve broken up.
Thats OKthe fact that a relationship has ended doesnt mean it has failed.
Perhaps it has just run its course.
venture to end things as amicably as possible.
If youre living together, move out and keep what is yours.
Pfaff and Federoffs tips have been lightly edited for clarity.
