"People can fall out of love just as they fall in love," says Bonnie Scott, a marriage and family therapist and founder of Mindful Kindness Counseling in Texas, US. This occurs when both partners change but no longer grow in the same direction. For women, this shift often manifests in their communication, behavior, and the way they maintain connection with their partner.
Refusing to argue
Many perceive conflict as negative. Yet, when mutual respect is present, arguing can be a healthy way to resolve issues. Research from Brigham Young University and the University of Texas at Austin, US, shows that couples who discuss and resolve disagreements tend to be more satisfied. However, when a woman's emotional investment wanes, she often loses the desire to engage in arguments. Rather than addressing disagreements with her partner, she may become indifferent, letting problems linger unresolved.
Only talking about responsibilities
Managing schedules, dividing household chores, and paying bills are necessary aspects of shared life. However, a relationship can lose its bond if conversations are limited to just these obligations. Spontaneous chats are crucial for fostering intimacy. The Gottman Institute in the US found that strong couples have 20 positive interactions for every negative one daily, while couples on the brink of separation often only have 8. When a woman's feelings diminish, her drive to connect lessens, and interactions become confined to practical matters like children, household tasks, or finances.
Stopping reliance on partner
It is a healthy need to seek support from one's partner during challenging times. Carnegie Mellon University research in the US shows that a partner's presence enhances feelings of security and helps individuals navigate crises more effectively. Yet, when a woman no longer feels connected, she tends to handle difficulties independently or confide in friends and family instead of her partner.
Only planning for herself
According to Dr. Barton Goldsmith, a marriage therapist in California, US, making future plans together helps strengthen a relationship. A woman whose feelings are diminishing will often avoid discussing shared trips or making long-term commitments. She may also begin talking about the future using "I" instead of "we", signaling a reduced investment in the marriage.
Ngoc Ngan (Source: Yourtango)
