Therapist shares three major warning signs your relationship is 'doomed'

21 January 2024 , 07:00

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Has your relationship hit the point of no return? (stock photo) (Image: Getty Images)

They say 'for better or for worse', but if it’s more often ‘worse’ in your relationship than better, it may be ‘doomed’ according to one expert. Couples therapist, Professor Suzanne Degges-White, has listed the three red flags to look out for if you’re in a relationship slump, revealing that if it’s weathering too many damaging behaviours, then it can be difficult to salvage and it might be time to move on.

So how do you know if it’s possible to rekindle the flame or call it quits? Suzanne says that while communication, future plans and feeling grateful are all key to sustaining a positive happy relationship, there are also three red flags to look out for.

The first is if you live with your partner, but subconsciously delay going home to them. “It's a dread sometimes about being around that person, or anxiety about how they're going to react,” reveals Suzanne, a licensed counsellor and professor at Northern Illinois University, who added that it’s common to try to find excuses, such as nights out with friends, or staying late at work.

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The second sign is not responding to texts, which, according to Suzanne is an indicator of a ‘can’t be bothered attitude.’ This is what Suzanne calls 'self-protection, avoidance behaviours' which are often used by those in unhappy relationships.

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The third red flag is based around the future, with Suzanne revealing that feelings of positivity and hopefulness about the future should be high on the relationship agenda, rather than regrets about what could have been: “Your focus should be on what's coming next, versus mistakes you've made.”

Ultimately, Suzanna says that the barometer of a truly happy relationship is “feelings of gratitude for the person you're with,” proving that gratitude and attitude play a huge part in a long-lasting relationship with your partner.

Emma Rowbottom