You might think being in a relationship means being anything but lonely, but that’s actually not entirely true. You don’t have to be socially isolated to feel lonely. In fact, it’s normal to sometimes feel lonely in a relationship, whether you’re long distance, live together, or find yourself anywhere in between. A disconnect can happen even if you consider your relationship to be relatively healthy. But it can also be a sign something is wrong or even toxic.
So, what are the signs of loneliness in a relationship, and how can you cope? Click on to find out.
Even if your significant other has been away for a few hours, you don’t feel that intense excitement and desire to kiss each other. This can make you feel lonely.
Whether you’re married or living together, you might still feel alone in your home. You might get home very late, while the other leaves early, meaning you don’t see each other that often.
One of the signs of loneliness in a relationship is when you can’t even talk to your partner, especially about deep topics.
When you don’t make an effort to bond like before, you might notice that you’d rather commit to other plans, like going out with friends rather than staying home.
Have you ever felt that you try to be closer to your partner, but they don’t reciprocate? This can provoke feelings of loneliness
There’s no time for bonding, communication, and intimacy. Instead, you’re both focused on your screens.
You start feeling that your partner doesn’t want you, but only needs you. There’s a huge difference between feeling loved and being in a relationship because of convenience.
One of the signs of loneliness in a relationship is when you do have sex, you don’t make love. It’s an empty feeling, where intimacy and connection are no longer there.
You try to ask your partner about their day, but you only get a one-word answer, or maybe no answer at all.
Another sign of loneliness in a relationship is when you start choosing isolation. You start losing interest in your daily activities, and distance yourself from your family and friends.
When there’s loneliness in a relationship, one or both may no longer meet each other’s wants and needs. This includes intimacy, love, and so much more.
After a few years, you may find yourself and your partner starting to drift apart and spending time on your new interests.
When you’re dealing with betrayal and infidelity, who wouldn’t feel lonely?
Some people binge-eat, while others lose their appetites. Both of these can cause health problems, which can also affect daily activities.
Being alone in a relationship can take its toll. Some people stop caring about their hygiene, and even stop looking at themselves in the mirror.
There are situations where it’s not advisable to fix things. For example, when you’re subjected to abuse. But if that’s not the case, and there’s a desire on both ends to combat these feelings, then there are ways to work through them.
Share your feelings, but tell them you’re not blaming or criticizing them in any way. Tell them that you’re feeling lonely. Maybe you both need to make changes.
It may be hard at first, but it’s not impossible. The key is to make time for each other, and, of course, enjoy your time together.
Self-care is essential, especially when you’re feeling down and lonely. Start by exercising, meditating, eating healthy home-cooked meals, and doing something that’ll make you happy.
Instead of texting your partner, call them. Or better yet, meet up with them up, even if it’s for a quick coffee. The aim is to focus on connection.
One cause of loneliness in a relationship is when you feel uncertain about your future. Open up and talk about your future together.
When you hug your partner, oxytocin, also known as the “love hormone,” is released. You’ll feel a sense of closeness, while gaining deeper feelings of connection, bonding, and trust.
If your partner is doing chores, why not join them so you can share time together? It can be a nice way to strike up conversation.
Relationships are all about commitment. When you’re facing challenges, this is the time when you need to try harder.
Sometimes we forget how deeply in love we are. By reminiscing about your past, it can help you realize that the both of you have drifted apart, thus bringing you back together.
Another way to overcome loneliness in a relationship is to try and go out. Opt for a fun, little family day trip, which is easy to plan.
Initiate a conversation with your partner. Ask about their day, and when it’s your turn, share details about how your day went. Make sure to actually engage and listen to each other.
Don’t forget to nurture your other important relationships. You’ll be reminded that you love others and that you yourself are loved
By speaking to a therapist, you can learn skills to bring you and your partner closer together. Also, a professional can help you not feel so isolated in your relationship
