A Beautiful Romance or a Breakup in Waiting?
There’s no formula for the perfect relationship; what works for you might be a total nightmare for someone else. But there are a few glaring red flags that indicate a couple won’t last very long, and we’re here to break down what they are.
1. They Had a Baby to Stay Together
Children deserve loving parents to take care of them—not a couple in trouble. It’s a tale as old as time (unfortunately) where struggling partners have a child to keep them together. In comes the stress and sweeping life changes, and next thing you know, they’ve broken up.
2. Overly Mushy Social Media Posts
Weirdly enough, over-the-top social media posts indicate trouble behind closed doors. Many happy couples post exciting news on their Instagram pages, but persistently mushy posts usually signal a desperate need to present a picture-perfect relationship.
3. Talking Behind Their Partner’s Back
We’ve all lightly jabbed our partners here and there, but it’s something else entirely to always poke fun at them. It’s hard to enjoy a night on the town when a friend won’t stop ribbing their partner or openly insulting them.
4. Lack of Respect
Successful relationships need mutual respect—and you can tell which couples lack it. Constant complaints, eye rolling, or total indifference usually signal a partnership bound for a breakup.
5. They’re Co-Dependent
On the other hand, some couples sacrifice their identities for each other, which doesn’t do anyone any good. It’s never a good sign when a girlfriend just has to bring her boyfriend to dinner. It’s just as awkward to see a friend constantly texting his girlfriend during the big game. Couples should enjoy time with their friend group!
6. Only One Partner Tries
Though it looks different with every couple, it’s easy to tell when only one person tries in the relationship. Someone could forget every anniversary. Another could skip every family dinner. However it looks, one-sided relationships don’t last very long.
7. Friends Start to Complain
True friends are always honest, and it’s a red flag when they start to complain. It’s much easier for a support group to notice subtle problems (or glaring ones), so those grievances mean trouble on the horizon.
8. Family Complains About Them Too
Not every friend is comfortable bringing up issues, especially if they’ve raised concerns before. Family, on the other hand, is more than willing to chime in. When friends and family both dislike a partner, a breakup is likely on the way.
9. The Relationship Started Dishonestly
Relationships born from infidelity don’t last. If it started dishonestly, chances are the offender will cross that boundary again. Of course, it’s not true for every couple, and some will thrive despite the shaky beginning. But the odds are stacked against you.
10. They Snoop Through Each Other’s Stuff
Partnerships won’t last without trust, and snooping through each other’s phones won’t strengthen the bond. Did a friend admit to going through their partner’s laptop? Did they read their beau’s journal? That lack of trust is a big red flag.
Oyemike Princewill on Unsplash
11. Constant Ebbs and Flows
Every couple has its ups and downs, but not every couple goes through them constantly. Hot and cold spells often mean a lack of communication, which is a cornerstone of healthy relationships.
12. On-Again, Off-Again
Some couples need a little break before finding their way back to each other. That can be a beautiful, long-lasting reunion! What’s not beautiful, however, is an on-again, off-again relationship that drags on for years.
13. They Bring Up Old Arguments
We all laugh at little misunderstandings, but there’s a big difference between playful reminiscing and resentment. Resentment eats away at relationships; unresolved arguments bubble to the surface when we least expect it and cause even bigger blowouts down the road.
14. They Share Embarrassing Stories
Some couples enjoy sarcasm or lightly joking about their partner’s mishaps. There’s nothing wrong with that—a bit of fun goes a long way! But some partners downright embarrass the other, which is less playful and more malicious.
15. Partners Seem “Perfect”
It’s easy to assume a partner is perfect in the honeymoon stage, but successful couples move on from that. When partners don’t let their imperfections poke through, it’s a big indicator that they’re hiding less desirable parts of themselves…which will only come out later. Arguments and disagreements are perfectly normal in a relationship, and the best couples don’t fight it!
16. They Lash Out at Others
Have you seen a friend’s partner lash out at waitstaff? Have they ever shouted at a fast food employee? Blowups like that aren’t a good sign; experts warn that that kind of explosive anger usually finds its way to the partner.
17. There’s Nothing in Common
It’s easy to tell when a couple is doomed from the start. If they don’t laugh at the same things or enjoy the same pastimes, chances are they don’t have much in common. While you obviously want to maintain your own personality, you can see when couples just aren’t compatible.
18. Public Bickering
There’s nothing worse than being stuck in a booth with a bickering couple. Couples who unashamedly take digs at each other or quibble about problems don’t last very long. Public arguments are a telltale sign of unresolved issues.
19. They Don’t Talk to Each Other
We all vent to our friends—but partners should also communicate with each other. Hiding issues from a partner is a surefire way to build resentment and distrust. If they can’t talk to their beau, who can they talk to?
20. Different Life Paths
One of the best things about a relationship is walking down life’s path together. But some couples just aren’t on the same page. One may want children while the other is vehemently against them. One may want to live in another city. Differences pop up in all kinds of ways, and couples with too many may be headed for trouble.
