Facing difficulties in romantic relationships is an inevitable reality, but how do you know if you are going through a temporary crisis or if the relationship has come to an end? This topic is complex and requires a deep understanding of couple dynamics. Trusting your instincts and seeking support when necessary helps navigate through emotions and make informed decisions.
In this PsychologyFor article, we explain how to know if it is a crisis or the end We will explore the key signs that can help you distinguish if what you are experiencing is just a temporary crisis or if, on the contrary, you are facing the end of your relationship.
Is it possible to distinguish between a crisis and the end of a relationship?
Distinguishing between a crisis and the end of a relationship is complicated and involves various factors. On the one hand, during a crisis, intense tensions and conflicts are experienced that may arise from specific problems, such as lack of communication, differences in values or external challenges. Relationship crises are temporary and can be addressed through communication n, the commitment and willingness of both parties to resolve it. Crises are often opportunities to grow and strengthen the relationship.
On the other hand, the end of a relationship is characterized by deeper problems and persistent. Signs that a relationship may have come to an end include lack of conflict resolution, loss of romantic or emotional interest, persistent incompatibility, and lack of efforts to improve the relationship. In these cases, there may be a continued feeling of dissatisfaction and a lack of hope for the future of the relationship.
The key to distinguishing between a crisis and the end of a relationship lies in assess the duration and severity of the problems, the level of commitment of both parties to resolve them, and the presence or absence of mutual love and respect. While crises can be difficult times, they are often temporary and surmountable. Instead, the end of a relationship is usually the result of irreconcilable problems that have eroded the very basis of the bond between people.
How to know if it is just a relationship crisis
To determine if what you are experiencing in a relationship is just a relationship crisis and not the end, it is important that you pay attention to the following signs:
Altered communication: Although communication may be tense or less frequent, there is still an effort on both sides to dialogue and resolve problems.
Changes in intimacy : Physical and emotional intimacy can be affected during a relationship crisis. There may be a decrease in the frequency or quality of intimate encounters. If it happens to you, in this article you will see How to revive passion in a couple.
Specific and resolvable conflicts: Problems are usually focused on specific issues that, although difficult, can be solved with mutual effort and, sometimes, professional advice.
Mutual commitment: Despite disagreements and tensions, both partners demonstrate a commitment to the relationship and a willingness to work together to overcome challenges.
Positive moments: Even in the midst of a crisis, there are moments in the relationship that are rewarding, and good memories still loom large.
Presence of support and affection: Although there may be frustration and pain, mutual support and affection are still evident in the relationship.
Willingness to change and grow together: Both parties show a willingness to learn, grow, and make personal changes that benefit the relationship.
Absence of indifference: unlike a relationship that is ending, in a relationship crisis, there is no indifference. Conflicts and tensions are often emotionally charged, indicating that there is still emotional investment in the relationship.
In a relationship crisis it is common to face difficulties, but these do not necessarily mean the end of the relationship. Crises are often opportunities to grow and strengthen the bond. It is crucial to recognize that, despite the tensions, there is room for reconciliation and improvement The ability to forgive and the willingness to adapt to new circumstances or each person’s changing needs are essential.
How to know if a relationship has come to an end
Determining whether a relationship has ended is complex. Unlike a temporary crisis, the signs suggest deeper, more persistent underlying problems. We see them below:
Lack of communication: Communication becomes non-existent or constantly negative. Arguments are frequent and there are no efforts to understand or resolve disagreements.
Loss of interest: Interest in sharing moments together is lost, and emotional and physical intimacy decreases considerably. Romanticism disappears.
Constant resentment: Feelings of anger or resentment become persistent. There are more conflicts than moments of happiness or satisfaction in the relationship.
Indifference: One or both members of the couple show indifference to the other’s feelings, needs, or concerns. This indicates a deep emotional disconnection.
Lack of mutual respect: Mutual respect deteriorates, giving rise to criticism, contempt or devaluation of the other. One or both parties blame the other for the problems that exist and that could not be solved.
Lack of common plans: There is no interest in planning a future together. Personal goals become different and do not include the other person.
Avoidance and distancing: There is a conscious effort to avoid spending time together. Both parties prefer to do activities alone or with other people.
Trust: Trust is broken through lies, deception, or infidelity, and no effort is made to rebuild it.
It’s important to remember that these signs don’t necessarily mean the relationship should end, but they could be indicators that you need to make significant changes or seek outside help, such as couples therapy.
This article is merely informative, at PsychologyFor we do not have the power to make a diagnosis or recommend a treatment. We invite you to go to a psychologist to treat your particular case.
If you want to read more articles similar to How to know if it’s a crisis or the end we recommend that you enter our Feelings category.
Bibliography
Kim, H., Capaldi, D.M., & Crosby, L.A. (2007). Generalizability of Gottman and colleagues affective process models of couples relationship outcomes. Journal of Marriage and Family, 69(1), 55-72. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1741-3737.2006.00343.x
Martos, L.M. (2022). The relationship: “The Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse” by Gottman. Psychopedia – Psychology, Psychotherapies and Self-Help. https://psicopedia.org/4013/la-relacion-de-pareja-los-cuatro-jinetes-del-apocalipsis-de-gottman/#google_vignette
Villegas, M., and Mallor, P. (2010). Considerations about couples therapy: about a case. Psychotherapy Magazine, twenty-one(81), 37-106. https://doi.org/10.33898/rdp.v21i81.600
