Here's how you know a relationship is dying

Depriving a relationship of openness and communication is like depriving a plant of water and sunlight; sooner or later, it'll shrivel and die.

Many couples have experienced this firsthand.

Rather than putting it all on the table (albeit in a civil, non-confrontational way), they either keep their feelings bottled up or resort to more damaging measures, like hurling insults, ghosting, or even cheating on one another.

You know for sure that something has gone awry when coming together to discuss your feelings and concerns actually widens the divide between the two of you, leading to more bickering and finger-pointing.

You each walk away feeling deeper resentment rather than calm reassurance that things are on the mend.

Rather than respecting your partner in spite of their imperfections, things that never bothered you before drive you batty.

Moreover, you look for reasons not to be around one another, essentially rendering you both strangers (if not enemies).

Frank conversations are supposed to ameliorate -- not exacerbate -- the problems you face together in the relationship.

They open one another's eyes to (1) emotions they didn't know the other was experiencing (2) certain behaviors they may not have noticed in themselves (3) deeds and efforts that may have gone unappreciated.

Surely, that doesn't mean the pair can't right the ship.

Perhaps they can look into relationship counseling, or at least have a trusted friend or relative intervene. When relations are this fraught, sometimes others are better able to get through to them.

If the couple has exhausted all possibilities, it may be time to shut the door on this troublesome relationship, which is likely beyond saving. At least they can take solace in knowing they tried.

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