A lot of the time, you may find yourself in a seemingly perfect relationship — but then it falls apart. At first, you may think that you could, or would, never break up with this person. However, as you spend more time together, you realize that you’re not as compatible as you thought.
Sound familiar? If you’ve ever found yourself in a “perfect” relationship that ended but you don’t quite know where it all went wrong, below, let’s look at 7 Most Common Reasons “Perfect Relationships” Fall Apart
1. A Lack of Communication
Communication is integral in a relationship. When partners fail to express their feelings, thoughts, and concerns openly, misunderstandings can pile up and lead to a breakdown in the connection.
2. One Partner Focuses on a Superficial Connection vs. a Deeper One
When you’re compatible with someone, initially, you may connect in several ways, but the more you get to know each other, the more you may realize you do not connect on some deeper issues, like values and religion. While everyone has their own dealbreakers, it’s important to assess what yours are and if the relationship can still continue.
3. One Partner Becomes Selfish
Selfishness can do harm to a relationship that was once full of love. When one partner only cares about themselves and ignores the relationship’s needs, it creates an imbalance that can lead to resentment and tension. To keep a relationship strong, both partners should consider each other’s feelings and work together for the relationship’s well-being.
4. One Partner Experiences Grief or Loss
Going through grief or loss can have great impacts on how someone acts and feels. If it’s not handled with care and support, it can strain the relationship and cause emotional distance. Understanding and supporting each other during tough times can help keep the relationship strong.
5. When Betrayal Occurs
Honesty is essential in a relationship, and if a betrayal occurs, it can damage even the most “perfect” relationship. “Dishonesty is a choice and the nature and degree of the erring partner’s dishonest behavior may be sufficient to cause the other partner to lose faith and trust,” Dr. Carla Marie Manly, clinical psychologist, and relationship expert, says. “Sometimes, the trust can be restored, but sometimes the feelings of betrayal are so intense that the relationship cannot move forward.”
Elmquist MA, LMFT, and author of Relationship Reset: Secrets from a Couples Therapist That Will Revolutionize Your Love for a Lifetime, agrees. “Even though a couple looks put together on the surface, it doesn’t mean that they aren’t struggling behind-the-scenes,” she says. “For instance, affairs are a challenging experience for most couples to get through and often instigate a breakup.”
6. The Relationship Stops Growing
A relationship, like a living thing, must grow and change over time. If partners stop trying to make it better and stronger, they might become too comfortable and complacent. This can cause the relationship to stop growing and eventually break apart. To keep it alive, it’s essential to keep nurturing and working on it together.
7. The Couple Grows Apart
As time goes on, some partners may find themselves growing apart. Their interests, goals, or values might change and start drifting in different directions. Partners should communicate openly and make efforts to stay connected to prevent the emotional distance from widening. Understanding each other’s evolving needs can help them navigate these changes and potentially grow stronger together.
