Sometimes, what seems like a relationship is more of a habit or a hope than an actual relationship. It may appear good on the surface and be comfortable on most days. Still, sometimes there may be some silence when one feels that something is a bit out of step, though it is difficult to define it. This does not necessarily imply that anything is dramatic about it. It can be nothing more than the fact that the relation is not what the word “relationship,” traditionally, implies. Hope, habit, and supposition may lead to a vague boundary between something that matters and a filler. Inquiry into such possibilities is not an issue of blame or even certainty. It has more to do with observing tendencies, thinking, and letting oneself be frankly understood without obtruding one particular point of view.
There is no real communication
One may experience that there are frequent talks but little substantial communication. There is the sharing of words, and no subsequent understanding. Keeping the discussion superficial or not touching upon the key emotions may indicate that the relationship is more about routine than a deep one.
Everything feels one-sided
Sometimes, work can seem disproportionate, but not necessarily deliberate. One individual can always adapt, take the initiative, or accommodate, and the other can be passive. Such an imbalance may merely mean that the relationship is not a mutual one.
Plans rarely feel mutual
The choices concerning time or priorities can be skewed heavily to one side. When plans are usually made when convenient to one party, then this may indicate that the relationship is more situational than it is cooperative.
Support seems conditional
The support may seem to be available, but in some circumstances. Once the encouragement is lost in inconvenient or difficult times, it could mean that the connection has its limits on how far it will allow both individuals to occupy space.
Growth is not shared
People are natural creatures who evolve. Whenever growth occurs independently, without mutual inquisitive or supportive interest of the other party, the relationship can be more of a lived-in parallel than connected.
Boundaries are often unclear
Healthy relationships tend to contain some sense of boundaries and respect. In case boundaries are blurred or disregarded, it may indicate that what it means to both parties was never established in the relationship.
Rely more on hope than reality
In some cases, the term for what the relationship has turned out to be is more important than what it actually is. Where hope substitutes visible effort, it may be worth observing that dissimilarity caringly.
Conflict is either avoided or explosive
Conflicts can never be resolved, or they can start growing out of proportion. Any of the patterns may be an indication that the relationship lacks the mechanisms or the desire to manage differences positively.
Time together feels empty
Connection may not necessarily come when they spend some time together. When there is a sense of flatness or disengagement, even when a moment is shared frequently, it might mean that there is presence but not engagement.
Recognition feels rare
A sense of recognition is important in any relationship. When they are never able to realize it and when efforts, thoughts, or emotions never seem noticed, then it may be an indicator that attention in the connection is restricted or uneven.
