Whether you see it coming or it’s out of the blue, break-ups are not pleasant to go through. But, by knowing if an end to your relationship is on the horizon, could you be better prepared for the emotional fallout, or even take steps to save it?
Annabelle Knight, sex, relationship and body language expert at Lovehoney has revealed 12 signs that a break-up is on the way, some that you may not have even been aware of…
1. Phubbing
A combination of ‘phone’ and ‘snubbing’, our phones give us something to do, a way to look as though we’re occupied, so we can avoid engaging with those around us. Being on their phone more often – even for innocent reasons – can be a major indication that they don’t want to communicate anymore.
2. Showing off
Peacocking is common practice when you’re single; it’s showing off and getting noticed – something that you don’t need to do if you’re loved up. If your partner appears to be showing off for others and trying to get their attention, it may be a sign they’re preparing to be back on the market.
3. Lack of eye-contact
Eyes are one of the most expressive parts of our bodies, and if your partner can’t hold your gaze or they seem intent on not meeting your eyes, they might not be sticking around for much longer. You may also notice them looking at you when you’re not looking back, and then quickly turning away when you turn to them – this may be them trying to gauge a post-break up reaction.
4. Hardened face
‘The look of love’ is a real thing, and it can’t be a good sign if the look starts to disappear. Does their face appear to harden when they look at you, rather than soften with affection?
5. Turning away
Not only a movie trope, the way we point our feet can subconsciously show our attraction. Unknowingly adopting a pigeon-toed stance – feet pointing inward – is a way of shrinking, making ourselves smaller to appear more harmless and approachable. Pointing our toes outwards can be a sign of emotional disconnect.
6. Banter turns mean
Playful, flirty banter between a couple is completely normal, but when that light joking starts to touch a nerve – even if it’s to an invisible crowd – it could be a sign they’re thinking about ending things. When you try to express your hurt feelings, your partner may try to paint you as the more unreasonable one, so they become less of the bad guy.
7. Mirroring no more
Similar to the way we point our feet, we can subconsciously mirror the body language of our partner to show connection. A sudden lack of mirroring can indicate that emotional connection is absent.
8. No genuine smiles
Genuine and loving smiles are filled with warmth and affection – think crinkled eyes, open mouth or raised cheeks. You may notice that their smile doesn’t quite meet their eyes, looks more like a grimace, or that they simply stop smiling. A half smile or tight lips can show ambivalence, resentment, or inner anger.
9. Hand placement
Whilst you can’t be joined together all the time, where your partner places their hands in relation to you can say a lot about how they feel. Putting their hands behind their back or in pockets may show that they’re not listening or aren’t interested in the conversation. Crossing their arms may also be a defence mechanism to protect themselves; putting a physical and emotional barrier between you two. While crossed arms alone doesn’t necessarily indicate a break up, consider other factors such as tone, the conversation topic, and where their gaze is.
10. No more “just because”
Making coffee in the morning, leaving sweet notes on the fridge… Every relationship has their “just because” moments; it’s a way to express love and affection without words. If these start to disappear, it may be time to wonder why.
11. We becomes I
As annoying as it may be for single folks, when couples start referring to themselves as “we”, it signifies an intertwining of their lives – showing they’re on the same team. If you notice that your partner’s use of the ‘W’ word has been on the decline, it may show that they’re having a change of heart about your future.
12. Tap, tap, tap
Leg shaking, foot tapping, drumming fingers on the table… These are all metronomic gestures that can show impatience, which can often surface towards the end of a relationship. This non-verbal cue may show your partner’s eagerness to get things over and done with. It could also indicate anxiety, stress, or pressure.
