When To Ask Her To Be Your Girlfriend: A Checklist to Time It Right

You met a great girl, and you think she could be “the one.” But, you need guidance for when to ask her to be your girlfriend. We have the tips for you.

If you are thinking about when to ask her to be your girlfriend, congratulations! That is a big step in your growing relationship and it will feel amazing to know you two are on the same track with your feelings.

This means you’ve gone through the first date jitters. You’ve heard her rant about her least favorite colleague and you probably know at least a couple of her guilty pleasures.

But, before jumping into an official relationship, make sure you know what that question means to you. You might think it is just a label, but to many people, it is a sign of commitment and a clear step forward together.

Knowing when to ask her to be your girlfriend is all about knowing what that term means to you and what it means to her. You don’t want to enter into something without being on the same page!

[Read: 25 sure signs the girl you’re dating is serious about you and wants a real relationship]

What does it mean to ask her to be your girlfriend?

This is a hard question to answer as it means something different to everyone. To some, the word girlfriend is just a word. It may mean you’re dating but that is all. It may mean you’re dating exclusively. And it may mean something more.

Think about what it means to you. Why do you want to ask her to be your girlfriend? Do you like hanging out with her? Is she hot? Do you want to do the silly man thing and “mark your territory”? Do you see a future with her? What changes in your mind when you ask her to be your girlfriend?

These are the things you should be thinking about right now. Before knowing when to ask her to be your girlfriend, you need to make sure you know what doing that means.

Are you asking her to commit to you? Do you want to be official? Are you asking her to go public with your relationship? Does it mean you both see potential in one another for a life together?

Once you know what asking her to be your girlfriend means to you, it is a good idea to talk to her about it, unless she already made it clear.

Does she want a relationship? Is she looking to settle down or is she more of a free spirit wanting to remain casual?

Knowing these things not only prepares you for possible answers but also lets you know how to ask her out when that time does arrive. [Read: 20 signs she is falling deeper in love with you and wants more from you]

Are you ready to ask her to be your girlfriend?

So, how do you know if you are ready to ask her to be your girlfriend? Well, it isn’t too hard to figure out. If you think about asking her to be your girl when you’re with her, you are probably ready.

It shouldn’t feel forced or too soon. Although it is normal to feel anxious, it should also have a sense of naturalness to it.

It should feel right to want her to be your girlfriend. You may be nervous about her response, the situation, and how exactly to ask her, but you will know that it is right.

We, as humans, tend to overthink things, but your readiness to ask her to be your girlfriend will be relatively obvious. If your relationship has gone from politeness and shyness to comfort and openness, you are probably ready to take the next step from casually dating into a relationship.

Sure, asking her to be your girlfriend may bring up fears and doubts from the past, but deep down you’ll know it is right. [Read: How to ask a girl to be your girlfriend and get her to say yes]

When to ask her to be your girlfriend – The exact timeline you need to know

Now that you know the commitments and expectations that come along with asking a girl to be your girlfriend, let’s talk about the ‘when’ now.

There is no perfect timeline or schedule to follow when it comes to asking her to be your girlfriend. [Read: How to show commitment in a relationship and make them feel secure]

You can’t tell yourself that after 10 dates you’ll ask her out, or after 3 months you’ll be official. Relationships do not work that way. There is no ideal formula to make sure you know when to ask her to be your girlfriend.

Of course, we’ll share a general guideline on what works best, but you’ll still have to take the decision yourself.

Try not to look at the amount of time you’ve been together or what is “normal” or practical. Yes, you probably shouldn’t ask her to be your girlfriend before knowing her last name, but your feelings will guide you.

Each and every relationship is different. They thrive at their own pace. And even the start of a relationship, down to the official asking out, is different for everyone. [Read: Why saying “I love you” too soon just sucks]

What may be far too soon for some couples might be perfect timing for others and vice versa. Once you are semi-aware that you are on the same page about what you’re looking for, and you feel like you know you want to spend more time together seriously, it is a good time to ask her to be your girlfriend. [Read: 25 signs she’s very serious about you and is looking for something real]

So what’s the general ideal timeline to ask a girl to be your girlfriend?

There are so many circumstances and scenarios that matter when it comes to exact timelines to ask a girl to be your girlfriend, but we’ll try our best to give you a general guideline. But remember, you don’t ever have to stick to this rule.

If you feel like she’s really into you, and you’re into her, ask her if she’d like to get exclusive sooner.

On the other hand, if you both have personal reasons to take a step back and wait it out just a while longer, go right ahead and delay the exclusivity talk for just a bit longer. [Read: The talking stage – What it is and how to progress to the next one]

Three months – This is how long you should wait if you’re dating

If you two met each other on a dating app, or were first introduced to each other as prospective dating partners, three months is your answer.

You were never friends, and you’re hanging out with the sole intention of dating each other. So three months is enough time to get to know each other. Even if both of you take things slow, you two would have met each other several times by now, and probably met each other’s friends as well.

You don’t have to get cheesy and go down on one knee, just sit down with her and have the ‘Define the Relationship’ talk. It’s definitely time. [Read: When to define the relationship – 20 signs it’s right now]

Three months – If you’re both friends already

If both of you have been friends for a while, and have started seeing each other a lot more often or have even started dating each other and making out, three months is your comfortable limit to take things forward and ask her to be your girl.

Really, you’ve both known each other for ages as friends, and now you’ve tested the waters as a couple as well. So is there anything left to clear up? No, three months is good enough if you’re wondering when to ask her to be your girlfriend if you’re both friends already. [Read: Are you more than friends already? 17 signs to know for sure]

Six months – If you’ve been casually dating and dating others as well

This is tricky, because both of you like each other and are intimate with each other. But at the same time, you also like other people as well. There are a lot of characters involved in this play, and you need to start weeding them out one by one.

If both of you have multiple partners, you cannot rush this at all! You have to take it slow, end your other casual relationships one at a time, and see if this girl is doing the same as well. End all other relationships, delete all hookup and dating apps, and make it clear you’re not seeing anyone else.

And hopefully, she’s doing the same as well. *in fact, she should be doing the same, or you can give up on asking her to get exclusive*

Once all that dust is settled, talk to her and ask her if she’d like to get exclusive and be your girlfriend. Whew, there’s a lot of paperwork in this, guys, so don’t rush if you’re both seeing other people. [Read: 16 well-hidden signs you’re not the only one she’s sleeping with]

Two months – Sex buddies to something more

So both of you are having sex and liking it. Great! And now you both want more than sex. Great-er!

If both of you have been good friends, and ended up hooking up on exclusive terms, there’s nothing wrong with that. Now, you only need to decide if it was just a horny sex thing, or do both of you have a mushy relationship thing in mind.

When you have sex with someone, you’re already emotionally connected and invested in the relationship to some extent. So instead of just sleeping with each other, start planning dates and bringing romance into the relationship. And once you’re certain she likes you as more than a sex buddy as well, ask her if she wants to get exclusive. [Read: How to read the signs your casual relationship is getting serious]

12 months – This is shitty timing!

Oh, come on, really? Is there really ANY excuse to wait this long to get exclusive or ask her to be your girlfriend? There are just two reasons why anyone would wait this long.

One, you’re not dating her and you’re only pursuing her. So that probably means she doesn’t really like you. Maybe it’s time you move on, really!

And two, it was a relationship of convenience, and you both were happy just hooking up. But now, you’re worried you may lose the perfect arrangement, and so you want to ask her to be your girlfriend so she can stick around for a while longer.

If you’ve waited over a year to ask a girl to be your girlfriend, chances are, you, her, or both of you don’t really care about each other. But hey, that’s the case in general. Maybe you have a very valid reason to wait this long. But wait no longer and ask her to be your girlfriend right now!

Use this guide on how to ask a girl to be your girlfriend and make sure she says yes even before you ask her!

What you need to be ready for when you ask her to be your girlfriend

Now that you know the exact timeline for when to ask a girl to be your girlfriend, let’s get to the parts that matter more than just popping the question!

Most people think it’s great to be in a relationship. But as with anything in life, you have to give up something to get something. That’s not a bad thing, it’s just the way life is.

So, if you want to know when to ask her to be your girlfriend, think about these things that will change for you once you ask her for a deeper commitment. Are you really ready for it?

1. Commitment

Some people love commitment, and others find it constricting. It’s great because you know you can always count on your partner, but it also limits your options.

When you’re committed to your girlfriend, you can’t go out with anyone else. So, think about whether you are actually ready for commitment.

2. Consistent communication

Most girls like to communicate with their boyfriends on a regular basis. This includes things like good morning and good night texts. Texting throughout the day. A lot of them like talking on the phone too. Are you ready for that? [Read: How to show commitment in a relationship and make her feel secure]

3. Thinking about the future

When you’re in a relationship as an adult, it’s natural for a woman’s mind to wander toward the future.

She’ll be thinking about marriage, kids, and where the relationship is going. So, you will need to be mentally prepared for that.

4. Less “me” time

If you’re an introvert, you will get less alone time that you crave. If you’re an extrovert and like going out partying with your boys, then you will have less time to do that too.

5. Doing more couples things

You should also expect to spend a lot of your leisure time going out with other couples. She has friends that are in relationships, and she will want to do fun things with them. So, you might have less one-on-one time than you want. [Read: 20 healthy expectations in a relationship that define a good love life]

6. Not talking to other girls

Maybe you have female friends, or maybe you just like hitting up girls on social media to boost your ego.

Regardless, a lot of girls get jealous when you talk to other girls. So to make your new girlfriend happy, you will have to stop doing that – or at least cut down a lot. [Read: 15 things you shouldn’t do on Instagram when you have a girlfriend]

7. Going off dating apps

If you met on a dating app, you will have to delete it. If she sees that it is still on your phone, she will get angry.

And worse yet, if you are still getting notifications, she will think that you are actively looking for and talking to other girls. She will feel like she’s not good enough for you.

Just try not to put too much pressure on yourself. This isn’t a marriage proposal or even a proposal.

If she loves romantic gestures, you can take her to a fancy dinner and ask her to be your girlfriend. But if she doesn’t like big to-dos, you can ask her while cuddling on the sofa with popcorn. [Read: Should I ask her out? 30 complete signs to know for sure if she wants to date you]

You are prone to worrying about the wording, the atmosphere and knowing the perfect moment when to ask her to be your girlfriend but in reality, none of that matters much.

Sure, it is sweet to make a big fuss or buy her flowers, but it isn’t necessary. You don’t need to prepare a romantic night or poetic speech. As long as you share how you’re truly feeling, it will all go well.

I once had a boyfriend ask me to be his girlfriend after two weeks of dating. I had just met his friends for the first time and he said that once he saw how well I got along with the people he cared about most, he knew he wanted me in his life in a more serious way.

It wasn’t a big show or particularly romantic, rather, it was spontaneous and perfect for us at the time. I could see that he meant what he was saying and how happy he was when I said yes. [Read: How to tell if you’re in an exclusive relationship already]

That is the kind of moment you want when you ask her to be your girlfriend.

When you know for sure that she is what you want and can’t see her out of your life during the foreseeable future, just do it. ??Staying true to your feelings is the most important thing you can do when you ask her to be your girlfriend. She will see how genuine that is and her response will show it.

Trying too hard or asking her to be your girlfriend because you think you should, you think she wants you to, or because you think it’s about that time will come off as lackluster and insincere.

The expectations from a boyfriend you need to remember

After you ask her to be your girlfriend, you have to know how to keep her. You can’t just expect to act any way you want to and have her want to stay with you. So, here are some tips for how to be a good boyfriend. [Read: 22 signs she wants to be exclusive with you and wants your commitment]

1. Be empathetic

Empathy is very important in a relationship. It means that you have to try to look at situations from her point of view, and not just your own. If you don’t do that, then you are being selfish… which no one likes, especially girls.

2. Listen to her

Let’s face it – girls like to talk. And some like to talk a lot!

So, you will have to be prepared to be a good listener. If she’s venting about her bad day, just listen and don’t try to fix her problems. Most girls just want you to sit there, listen, and make her feel better.

3. Care about her needs

You need to put her needs at least equal to – if not before – your own needs. When you ignore her feelings and what she wants, then she will get resentful.

Remember that the world does not revolve around you. She wants to have her needs fulfilled too. [Read: How to make your girlfriend happy and feel like the luckiest girl ever]

4. Communicate your feelings

Girls don’t like it when you keep your thoughts and feelings all bottled up inside.

If you love her, say it and show it! If something is bothering you, then talk to her about it. They like it when you communicate these things to them. So, don’t be a “macho” man… express those feelings to her!

5. Be a gentleman

Guys, chivalry is not dead! You might like to think it is, but you really need to treat your girlfriend with the utmost respect.

Open doors for her *even her car door* and be a gentleman. Be a classy guy that she’s proud to show off to her friends. [Read: 15 courteous ways to be a gentleman and keep her happy]

6. Don’t be lazy

Once guys get into a relationship, a lot of them get lazy. Don’t lay on the couch all day and skip the showers. You shouldn’t play video games 24/7 and ignore her.

This laziness is very unattractive, and she might start wondering what it’s like to be with a guy who puts in a lot more effort.

 [Read: How to be a good boyfriend – 33 traits that’ll make you the best ever]

If you are wondering when to ask her to be your girlfriend, you are already part of the way to the finish line. Simply knowing that you want her to be your girlfriend and why, will lead you to the ideal timing and situation for you and her.

The post When To Ask Her To Be Your Girlfriend: A Checklist to Time It Right is the original content of LovePanky - Your Guide to Better Love and Relationships.

28 Truths About Feeling Alone In a Relationship & How to Fix It ASAP

When we are in a romantic partnership, it’s not a good sign when you are feeling alone in a relationship. Here are some truths to face and what you can do.

For most people, being in a relationship means that they always have someone to be with, laugh with, share their secrets with, and just keep them company. However, some people still feel like they’re alone in the world, even if they have a boyfriend or girlfriend. And the worst part is that even if you are feeling alone in a relationship, you may not even realize why or how you got to this negative place.

Not only is this a sign of an unhealthy relationship, but it also makes them feel more alone than they’ve ever been since they’re supposed to be feeling cared for when you’re loved by someone.

The truth about feeling alone in a relationship is that it just sucks. Nobody should feel alone when they have someone to share their life with.

Loneliness isn’t always caused by isolation

Some people can be surrounded by a sea of people and still feel as if they’re all alone in the world. They could have the best friends in the entire world, yet they feel like nobody is on their side.

As it turns out, loneliness can actually be a mental health disorder. Some people are just programmed to feel lonely, no matter what happens in their life.

[Read: Why you feel lonely in a relationship and what to do about it]

The truths about feeling alone in a relationship

In order to really understand what it feels like to be lonely in a relationship, you’ll have to understand the truth behind it. These are all the truths about feeling alone in a relationship that you probably never knew before.

1. It can mean your relationship isn’t healthy

The biggest reason why you might feel alone in a relationship is that your relationship isn’t healthy. Feeling lonely when you have someone to share your life with isn’t normal. [Read: 24 sad signs of an unhealthy relationship that ruins love forever]

2. It’s not always your fault

The truth is that not all of your loneliness is your fault. In fact, it might not be your fault at all. Sometimes, the problem can be because your partner isn’t being as supportive as they should be.

Another reason why it isn’t always your fault is that you may have a condition that makes you feel really lonely even if you’re surrounded by people whom you love and care about. [Read: Why do I feel alone all the time? 14 truths that can change your life forever]

3. It can be the worst feeling in the world

When you’re feeling alone in a relationship, you may feel like you’re failing at life because this is the time when you’re supposed to feel the least alone. You’re supposed to be in love and enjoying the company of a loved one 24/7.

Yet there you are, suffering through loneliness with someone right next to you. It really makes you feel even worse about yourself than just being alone. [Read: The 3 stages to embrace and overcome loneliness]

4. It might be from poor communication

One cause of feeling alone in a relationship is that there’s not a whole lot of communication going on. If you start feeling lonely but you don’t talk to your significant other about it, how are they supposed to help?

Once you do feel alone in your relationship, it becomes harder and harder to open up to your love and tell them what’s going on. It can even be caused by their inability to open up to you, as well. [Read: Lack of communication in the relationship and why it signals the end]

5. It’s extremely hard to fix

Only you and your partner can really fix the loneliness that you feel. But since this emotion can snowball into a lot of other problems, you’ll find that it can be really hard to fix once it has gotten to a certain point. This truth about feeling alone in a relationship isn’t great to hear, but it’s accurate. [Read: How to know a relationship is over – 33 signs it’s over for good]

6. You feel unhappy almost all of the time

Feeling alone in a relationship is basically synonymous with feeling sad all the time. You never really feel happy, because loneliness isn’t something that most people find joy in.

You feel like you’re stuck in this never-ending rut that you can’t seem to find your way out of. [Read: 16 signs you’re settling in an unhappy relationship]

7. You could be shutting your partner out

Have you ever considered that the reason you’re feeling so lonely is that you’re isolating yourself from your partner?

There are plenty of people who feel lonely, but it’s because they refuse to share information with their significant other.

You might be in a sad mood, so you feel that you have to keep to yourself in order to protect yourself from hurting anymore. This could be causing your loneliness.

8. The sex isn’t fun

This is just an honest truth about feeling alone in a relationship. The sex sucks.

Great sex requires an intimate connection with your significant other. Thus, if you’re feeling lonely even when you’re with them, the sex won’t be any different. It will feel detached and impersonal. [Read: How to spice up your sex life in 30 sexy ways]

9. It feels like you’re basically single

This is another cold, hard truth about feeling alone in a relationship. It basically feels like you’re single – except worse.

You’re constantly around the person for whom you care the most, yet you don’t feel supported or that you’re part of a team.

10. You feel like giving up

When you feel alone in a relationship, you oftentimes just want to give up. You may think, “What’s the point of trying too much when I’m just going to feel alone, anyway?” 

But even if you do feel alone, you should never give up, unless that person truly is making you miserable. Talk to someone and see if there’s a way to solve your problem. [Read: 16 things you need to give up to have a happier life]

11. You stop talking to them

A lot of people who are feeling alone in a relationship end up self-sabotaging in a way. Maybe they didn’t start by shutting out their partner.

But after they feel lonely for so long, they give up and decide that there’s no point in trying to talk to them now.

12. You don’t want to go anywhere with them

And we don’t blame you. Why would you want to go out and about with someone who makes you feel alone when you’re with them?

The problem with this is that you’re only adding to the problem by isolating yourself from the rest of the world. Trying to go out and have a good time anyway, though, could actually help mend the issue and give you and your partner a chance to open up communication again. 

13. You feel as though your relationship has ended when it’s still going strong

And this can send you into a downward spiral of fear and anxiety. The truth about feeling alone in a relationship is that you may feel as though your relationship has ended or is close to ending, when, in reality, it might be perfectly fine otherwise. [Read: 10 steps to take to tell your partner you’re unhappy]

14. Your partner usually doesn’t even know

One of the hardest things about feeling alone in a relationship is that your partner might not know how you feel.

This just reiterates the fact that you are lonely when your partner doesn’t know about your suffering. If this is the case, you need to talk to them. They will help you if they truly care about you.

15. You’re always afraid

You’re afraid that the loneliness is a sign that you shouldn’t be with that person. In addition, you’re afraid of confronting the issue, you’re afraid of how lonely you might feel if you no longer have a relationship at all.

This fear can be debilitating if you don’t nip it in the bud early. You could end up going down some scary roads because fear can make people do crazy things. [Read: How to overcome the fear of losing the one you love and live happily]

16. Your partner ignores you

You might be in the same room as your partner, but they don’t talk to or even look at you. It’s almost like you’re invisible and don’t exist. When you try to engage in a conversation, they look at you like you’re crazy and they want you to shut up.

That’s why you’re feeling alone in the relationship. No one should be ignored when they are in partnership. Because it is rather toxic when you are. [Read: Not happy in a relationship? How to choose the right path for you]

17. You feel like you’re the only one who tries

If you’re being ignored, then you are probably the only one who tries to put in any effort into the relationship.

You ask your partner for date night, but they either refuse or don’t follow through. Maybe you try to do something romantic for them, but they do nothing for you. [Read: One-sided relationship – 12 sad signs and ways to fix it before it ends]

If you feel like you’re in a relationship with a brick wall *and a brick wall does nothing* and the relationship is one-sided. This is very unhealthy because it takes two people to make a relationship successful – not just one.

18. They avoid spending time with you

Whether you live separately or together, they try to avoid you at all times. They might have excuses like they have other plans. Or, they might simply isolate themselves in another room in the house far away from you.

When they do things like this, they are avoiding spending time with you for some reason. But regardless of why they are doing it, it sure makes you feel alone in the relationship, doesn’t it? [Read: What to do when your boyfriend doesn’t want to make any time for you]

19. Making plans without them

Maybe your friends or family want to all get together to do something fun, like go to a concert. If you are excited to do that, but you don’t even bother including your significant other, then you might as well be single.

It could be that you don’t think they care, or at least they don’t want to go. But couples should do things together, not alone. So, if you’re making plans without them, then that’s another reason why you feel so alone.

20. You don’t share news with them

If you have a big interview coming up or if you won $50 in the lottery, you don’t even think about sharing the good news with your partner. You probably want them to care, but you know they won’t.

When you don’t have a significant other with whom you can share the highs and lows of life, then what is the point of even having one? They should want to hear what’s going on in your life at all times. [Read: Why feeling disconnected in a relationship doesn’t always mean it’s the end]

What to do if you are feeling alone in a relationship

Now that you know what the sad truths are of feeling alone in a relationship, what can you do about it? Here are some things you can try.

1. Talk to your partner

This might sound ridiculous, but maybe your partner is so unaware of themselves that they don’t even know that they are ignoring you. Believe it or not, that happens.

So, even though you think they should already know that you feel alone in the relationship, you need to tell them. They need to know how their behaviors are negatively affecting you. That is the first step.

2. Do something nice for them

After you have that conversation for them, try to put some extra effort into the relationship yourself.

Make them a romantic dinner at home with candlelight. Or buy them something you know they like. Hopefully, this will spark them to reciprocate and do something for you too. [Read: The sweetest romantic gestures you can use in everyday life]

3. Be yourself

Some people try to be someone other than themselves when they are feeling alone in a relationship. They are so desperate to get their partner’s attention that they try to change.

But don’t do that. Just be yourself. If your significant other doesn’t appreciate you, then it’s their loss.

4. Express gratitude

When a couple is together for a long time, they start to take each other for granted. This is never good because everyone needs to feel appreciated in a relationship.

So, you should start the ball rolling and express gratitude to your partner. Hopefully, they will appreciate that, and start doing the same to you. [Read: How to show your appreciation to someone and express your gratitude]

5. Try counseling

If you have tried to do all of these things but you are still feeling alone in your relationship, then you should ask your partner to go to couple’s counseling with you. Sometimes it takes a trained professional to help you both work through your problems together.

6. End the relationship

If you’ve tried everything you can *or your partner won’t go to counseling with you*, then you might have to end the relationship.

It might not be easy, but there is no reason to feel alone in a relationship. At least if you are single, there would be a good reason to feel that way! Then, you can go find someone you are more compatible with.

[Read: How to break up with someone you love – 18 steps and the things to say]

The truth about feeling alone in a relationship is simple: it sucks. That being said, finding someone to talk to, whether a friend, family, or your partner, can help you feel yourself again.

The post 28 Truths About Feeling Alone In a Relationship & How to Fix It ASAP is the original content of LovePanky - Your Guide to Better Love and Relationships.

31 Sad Signs He Doesn’t Like You Anymore & Is Losing Interest in You

Your relationship started off great, but now it seems like he doesn’t like you anymore. Here are the signs to look for if you think it might be over.

There’s nothing worse than a guy who loses interest in you. Did you really like him? Sure… maybe. Even if you don’t like him, you can feel your ego being slowly squeezed. What makes it even worse, is that when you see him distancing himself from you, then you try harder. We’ve all been there. Some are even experts at this when he doesn’t like you anymore.

For example, if a girl sees a guy losing interest in her, she might try even harder by being more attentive, messaging him more, and hanging on for dear life.

But instead of bringing a guy closer, that usually makes them run away from you even faster. You don’t have to go through this. In fact, you can be the one to pull out before him.

[Read: Dammit, why doesn’t he like me back? 31 reasons why guys do this]

How to know when he doesn’t like you anymore

Trust us, you don’t have to wait to be dumped. In fact, that’s one of the most humiliating things that you can do… wait around for a guy to end it with you because he can’t stand you anymore.

But then again, sometimes it can be difficult to know if he doesn’t like you anymore. Here are all the signs you need to keep an eye on, if you want to take a step back and prepare yourself.

[Read: 19 ways to pull back in a relationship when you’re giving too much]

1. He doesn’t reply to your texts

This is a classic sign that he doesn’t like you anymore, or at least he’s starting to lose interest in you. Okay, sure, maybe he’s working or has a football game. But if he isn’t replying to your texts for over a day, that’s not because his battery isn’t working.

Some guys try to ghost girls via this method. The best thing you can do is stop double texting him because you’re going to look desperate. [Read: Double texting – What it is, how to avoid it and 15 must-follow rules]

2. Or, if he does, it’s one-worded replies

Or maybe he does reply to you because he feels somewhat guilty. He’s still an asshole, though, so don’t look at this with some hope.

If he replies with “k,” “lol,” “yes,” or “no,” it’s best that you just put your phone down or open your Tinder account. Get someone new – someone fresh.

3. He’s M.I.A.

You were supposed to go to a movie last Friday, but he never messaged you. He was supposed to come over for cookies, but he didn’t show up either – he said he slept through his alarm.

His alarm didn’t go off, or did his phone run out of battery? No. He probably doesn’t like you anymore, and he’s trying to ghost you. [Read: Why is he ignoring me? 22 answers to help you make up your mind]

4. He doesn’t ask you to hang out

He used to ask you to hang out all the time, but now, he hardly messages you. This isn’t because he has new friends, well, unless they’re women. If he isn’t asking to spend time with you, it’s because he’s losing interest and doesn’t want to.

5. He doesn’t care about other men wooing you

You can try to do the whole “I’m going to mention another guy to make him jealous” trick, but if he isn’t reacting at all, well, he doesn’t care about you or the other guy.

In fact, he’s probably happy there’s another guy, that way, he doesn’t have to man up and tell you he’s not interested in you. [Read: Do guys play hard to get? The truth, 21 reasons and what you should do next]

6. He doesn’t update you

When you have a relationship with someone, it’s normal to tell them about your day and what happened.

However, if he stops telling you about his day and the updates going on in his life, you’re becoming less of an important figure in his life. We know it’s hard to accept, but that’s just the case – it’s a sign he’s slowly losing interest and probably doesn’t like you as much anymore. [Read: 22 early warning signs of a really bad boyfriend you need to leave ASAP]

7. He spends more time on the phone when around you

If someone really finds you interesting, they’re not going to be spending time on their phone while around you.

If anything, their phone is tucked away in their pocket, and they’re fully invested in your time together. But if he’s swiping on Tinder and messaging his grandma, well, there ya go.

8. He talks about other women

If he’s talking about other women in front of you, he’s trying to hint to you that he’s interested in other women.

Sure, he could be doing this to make you jealous, but if he’s doing this along with other signs he doesn’t like you anymore, then that’s not the case. He’s trying to hint to you. [Read: Are you being taken for granted? 16 signs he doesn’t care about losing you]

9. He spends more and more time away from you

You used to hang out every Friday night watching movies at your house, but now he goes out with his other friends.

If he really wanted to spend time with you, he wouldn’t give up those moments with you. But he did because he is looking for someone else.

10. Physical contact fades away

If he used to have his arms all over you and now he doesn’t, well, that’s a good sign his arms have been around someone else. And that he doesn’t like you anymore.

You touch people that you’re attracted to – it’s plain and simple. If he’s not touching you like he used to, he doesn’t like you anymore. [Read: How to make him feel guilty for ignoring you and take back the power]

11. He treats you like a friend

This is the worst one. If he’s still hanging around you but simply stopped flirting with you, it’s painfully obvious that you’ve been friend-zoned.

Many people have been in this position. What’s worse is that they are not being honest with you and letting you know how they feel. Instead, they know you like them, and they’re ignoring it.

12. He gets angry at you without reason

Maybe you’re talking to him about some movie you watched or one of your friends, but this isn’t what he wants to hear.

Why? Because he doesn’t care, and listening to you talk is making him frustrated. Have you ever done something you didn’t want to do? You know the feeling. Well, that’s what he’s feeling. [Read: 19 signs he just wants you to leave him alone because he doesn’t care anymore]

13. Your habits annoy him

This happens a lot. Those habits that he used to find cute, or only mildly annoying, are now the worst thing to enter into his life.

He hates how you snort when you laugh, and he can’t stand how you slurp your soup.

Everything about you puts him on edge, and it’s because this is one of the subtle signs he doesn’t like you anymore and is trying to create distance. [Read: Should you break up with your boyfriend? 23 signs you HAVE to end it]

14. No more flirting

Ah yes, flirting is what creates sexual tension and shows the chemistry between you two.

But if he cut out the flirty behavior, then that’s a good sign that he’s trying to build a wall between you two. But really, if he stopped flirting with you, then what’s the point of wasting your time on him?

15. He doesn’t comfort you

Usually, when you’re having a bad day and the guy who likes you sees it, he’d try to make you feel better. Maybe he’ll hug you, buy you lunch, or send you a funny YouTube clip, you know, little things like that.

But, if he’s dodging you like a bullet or blatantly doesn’t care, well, then he doesn’t care. [Read: 16 reasons why your boyfriend’s so damn mean]

16. He doesn’t make you a priority

If he has gone from putting you on top of his priority list to closer to the bottom, then that is one of the signs he doesn’t like you anymore. We make time for things that are important to us, so if he’s doing his own thing before seeing you, then you are not a priority anymore.

17. He makes plans without you

Since you are not his priority, he is probably making plans without you.

Whether it’s going out with a group of friends or taking a weekend getaway, he never asks you to join in. That’s probably because he wants to be single, but he just hasn’t told you yet.

18. He’s not affectionate

When guys aren’t into a girl anymore, they don’t really want to be affectionate. If they’re not feeling it, then it’s difficult for them to act like they do by holding your hand or cuddling with you. It means he is trying to distance himself from you. [Read: How to make a guy want you back – The art of making him miss you all over again]

19. He blows hot and cold

If the guy is nice and seemingly into you one day, but then is cold, distant, and M.I.A. the next, then that’s because he doesn’t like you anymore.

Inconsistency is a big sign that the person is not very interested in you and won’t keep you around for much longer. Or worse, he’s just playing you and using you. He knows you’ll be at his feet with a snap of his fingers, and he likes the attention! [Read: How to tell if a guy is playing you – 40 signs he’s just using you for fun]

20. He won’t compromise

Maybe he used to ask your opinions on what to do on a weekend or meet you halfway. But if he won’t compromise with you anymore, that means he has gotten selfish.

And if he really cared about you, he would consider your feelings, wants, and desires – not just his own.

21. He doesn’t talk about the future

When you first started dating, he would talk about the future with you in it. It could be something simple like going to a concert six months from now, or it could be something big like marriage and children.

If he doesn’t talk about this with you, then he doesn’t see you as part of his life for much longer. [Read: Signs he sees a future with you or not – 30 things to look out for]

22. He doesn’t want to work on the relationship

You know that you have problems, and you even try to talk to him about them. But he seems very uninterested in working things out.

Maybe you even beg and plead for him to compromise and make things better between the two of you. But if he won’t bother to try, it’s because he doesn’t want to.

23. Your gut is telling you something is wrong

Your intuition never lies. So, if it’s screaming to you that something is off and he doesn’t like you anymore, then you need to listen to it. Your intuition is right almost 100% of the time, so don’t ignore these feelings.

24. Too many excuses

If he is coming up with lame excuse after lame excuse for not hanging out with you, then he is trying to avoid you.

We all know the difference between a legitimate excuse and a made-up one. So, if he’s just full of excuses these days, then he doesn’t like you anymore. [Read: 28 signs he wants to break up but is just too scared to say so]

25. Lack of communication

If he’s not talking to you about much of anything anymore, then that is not a good sign. When you like someone, you want to talk and you have good communication about everything under the sky. So, if he’s backing off of talking to you, then the end is near.

26. He’s secretive

When a guy hides his phone or walks to a different room to take a phone call, you know he is up to no good.

If he was really into you, he would be honest with you and have everything out in the open. But if he’s acting sneaky, then he is definitely being secretive about something.

27. He gets angry for no reason

If he seems particularly explosive with his anger for no apparent reason, then that is bad.

For example, if you ask him a simple question such as where is the remote control, he might jump down your throat. This is not an appropriate response to a question like this. [Read: How to tell if your boyfriend is mad at you and 19 things you should do ASAP]

28. He forgets important events

When Christmas, Valentine’s Day, your birthday, or any other important event comes around, he doesn’t even acknowledge it.

No present, no card, no flowers, no… anything. That means he has checked out of the relationship, a clear sign he’s losing interest in you and doesn’t like you anymore.

29. He doesn’t want to go out in public with you

Maybe you suddenly realized that you never leave the house with him. If you suggest going to a restaurant or a bar, he always refuses and prefers to stay home.

For whatever reason, he just doesn’t want to go out in public with you anymore. [Read: Secret relationship – Why would someone want to keep things low key?]

30. He asks for a break

Sometimes when a person wants to break up, they don’t have the courage to say it directly.

Instead, they beat around the bush to try to soften the blow. So, if he’s asked for some space or for a “break” from the relationship, then there’s a chance he doesn’t like you anymore.

31. He tells you

If he isn’t a complete jerk and cares about you, he’ll actually just flat out tell you that he’s not interested. This is pretty rare, as a lot of men are babies. We wish we were joking. If he tells you how he feels then, sure, it’s going to sting. But then you’ll know right away.

[Read: How to break up with someone you love – The breakup conversation]

If he’s exhibiting more than three of these signs, it’s time to start evaluating your relationship with this guy… because he doesn’t like you anymore and is clearly losing interest in you. Don’t wait for him to end it, be the one to dump his ass.

The post 31 Sad Signs He Doesn’t Like You Anymore & Is Losing Interest in You is the original content of LovePanky - Your Guide to Better Love and Relationships.

23 Reasons Why Good Relationships End Even If There Are No Red Flags

When you’re newly in love, you feel like it will last forever. But then it doesn’t. So, here is why good relationships end, and why you should let go.

Not every partnership is built to last, and a lot of relationships end. That’s just a fact of life. Sure, we hold out all sorts of hope when we enter into a new relationship that it’s going to be the one—that we’ve finally found that special person that’s going to make all our fantasies come to life.

But then a few months roll by and you’re rethinking everything because it’s just not working out and you can’t figure out why. They seemed so incredibly perfect at first! What went wrong?

The turning point in a relationship

After reading that line, your brain probably jumped to a moment in your relationship when you just felt like your relationship wasn’t going to work. Or maybe it was the turning point that ultimately led to the demise of the entire relationship you’d built.

Most people have been in quite a few failed relationships, due largely to the problems identified in this list. And most relationships end for one of the reasons listed below—or an unfortunate combination of multiple reasons. [Read: 20 signs your perfect relationship is oh-so-over already]

Why good relationships end even when there’s nothing very wrong with it

There are a lot of similar things that lead to the end of a relationship. These factors play a large role in the downfall of your relationship and, to a certain degree, maybe the entire cause of its demise. Decide if these traits describe your relationship and do your best to correct them—before it’s too late!

1. Bad communication

This tops the list of reasons why good relationships end because you just can’t have a happy relationship when you don’t communicate well. Your partner needs to know your likes, your dislikes, what makes you mad, what works in bed, and so much more.

When you can’t communicate, things build up and become too much to bear and you need out… leading to a failed relationship.

2. Trust issues

Whatever put the trust issues in place—whether it’s something they did, your past relationships, cheating, lying, etc—will lead to the end of a relationship.

You cannot have a healthy, happy relationship without trusting your significant other 100%. If you want to make it last, work on your issues! [Read: The step-by-step guide to getting over trust issues in your romance]

3. Unlinked futures

This is a big one for a lot of early 20-somethings. You really like each other, have great chemistry, and seem perfect for each other, but you have completely opposite futures planned out.

Maybe they want to travel the globe for ten years before settling down and you’re looking to be a housewife right away. Either way, you have to have some sort of a similar future for the relationship to really work.

4. Unrealistic expectations

Here’s a bitter truth that might shock the socks off of you: life is NOT a romantic comedy. Someone is not going to show up out of the blue and make all your dreams come true. You can’t put that kind of pressure on your partner.

When you have unrealistic expectations, you fall victim to asking too much of someone and remain unhappy because you think things should be different.

Stop having such high expectations from someone you date, and face reality if you want your relationship to last. [Read: 19 unrealistic expectations in love that we want to believe but shouldn’t!]

5. Different expectations

Not only are unrealistic expectations a reason why good relationships end, having different expectations is problematic, too. One person might think that you two are headed to the altar and the other might just be dating you to figure out what they want.

Having different expectations of one another in the relationship will almost definitely lead to a split if you can’t come to terms with it.

6. Not compatible

This is a big reason that many good relationships end. You might both have the same hobbies, interests, and even a sense of humor. However, if you can’t both decide on the proper way to fold clothes, things might not work out.

Now, that’s a very small detail, but if your compatibility is off in a significant way, it could lead to a breakup. [Read: 50 relationship questions to test your compatibility instantly]

7. Abuse of any kind

Whether it’s physical or emotional, any kind of abuse is going to head the relationship downhill faster than anything else.

No one should ever put up with any form of abuse and that is evident in the number of relationships that have failed due to it. If you’ve been abused, it is time to get the hell out of dodge. If you are the abuser, you need to get help and change your ways—fast.

8. Judgmental partner

This one is very real for a lot of people, because for some reason, no matter what they do, their partners always judge them.

If you decide to start practicing yoga, they might immediately mock your choice. If want to take up painting, they quickly tell you that you are wasting your time.

When you can’t be yourself around someone because you fear their opinion is going to be negative, your relationship will fail.

9. Boredom

Another big reason why good relationships end for a lot of people! Many people bored easily. This means they need someone to keep them on their toes and keep things interesting. 

When you get bored in a relationship, it usually means that there’s a mismatch in the chemistry and compatibility department, and it’s only a matter of time before one of you goes looking for something to curb that feeling. [Read: 20 honest reasons and signs you’re bored with your relationship]

10. Lack of intimacy

No matter what anyone says, sex is important in a relationship and is one of the biggest reasons why good relationships end.

Sex provides intimacy and a way for you to connect in a way nothing else does. When that slows down considerably or just stops altogether, it’s not looking good for the couple.

11. Money issues

If you’re further along in the relationship—say, dating long term or married—money can become a huge problem.

When money is tight or you can’t decide how each person should be spending their money, it leads to arguments and stress… also known as a recipe for a quick break up.

12. Isolation from a social life

Ding! Ding! Another one that hits home for a lot of people. For example, a girl might have a boyfriend who decides he doesn’t like her friends because they are a “bad influence”—AKA: he doesn’t like that they go out and have fun without him there.

She might become so isolated that he is the only person she ever really talks to or sees and she can go stir crazy! [Read: 15 signs of codependency to know if you’re being taken for granted]

13. Low self-esteem

Low self-esteem on either part can lead to enormous relationship issues and can be a real cause for why healthy relationships end. You feel bad about yourself despite their efforts to make you feel good, you worry they’ll leave you for someone better—and more.

This causes you or your partner to be unhappy and one *or both* of you will probably want to end things. [Read: How your self-respect affects you and the relationships you’re in]

14. Jealousy

This is one of the most common reasons that couples head to splitsville. Although it does relate to having trust and insecurity issues, it is in a category by itself because it exceeds the limits of both.

When you or your partner is always jealous and causes you to change to fit what they think is appropriate *friends, clothes, hair, shoes—ANYTHING* then resentment builds up, and finally, someone ends things because they just can’t take it anymore. [Read: How to deal with jealousy in a relationship and learn to overcome it together]

15. Selfishness

All humans are selfish to some degree. It’s just a survival instinct to be that way.

However, some people take it to the extreme. If one or both partners are selfish and only want to get their way – and never compromise – then that is bad for any relationship.

Both partners need to put their partner’s needs at least equal to – if not before – their own. If they don’t do that, then resentment will build up until even the best of relationships end. [Read: Selfishness in relationships – 15 tips to do the right thing]

16. Lack of effort

After people are together for a while, they tend to get lazy, which is another major reasons relationships end. They stop putting in the effort, doing little things *or big things* to make their partners happy. The thing they don’t realize is that relationships need constant love and attention.

Think of a relationship like a plant. If you don’t water it on a regular basis, it will wither away and die. The same is true for relationships. [Read: How to make your relationship way stronger and last longer]

17. Addictions

Anyone can get addicted to anything – it doesn’t have to just be drugs or alcohol. They can be addicted to video games, shopping, gambling, or just about anything else under the sun. 

When someone is addicted, that means that most of their time and attention goes toward their addiction and not their relationship.

They might not even think they have a problem because it’s “just a video game” or it’s “just shopping.” But if it’s interfering with your relationship, then it’s a problem. [Read: 21 secret signs of a bad relationship that signal a bad future ahead]

18. Too much fighting

There is no couple in the world that doesn’t have some differences that will result in conflict. Conflict in and of itself is not inherently bad. But if you don’t have the right skills for how to work through your problems effectively, it can damage the romance and end even a perfect relationship.

Avoiding problems or competing to “win” arguments are very detrimental to the health of a relationship. If the two people don’t work as a team, then the fighting will eventually break them up. [Read: How to stop fighting in a relationship + 16 steps to really talk]

19. Different love languages

There are five different love languages according to Dr. Gary Chapman’s book about the topic. They are: (1) words of affirmation (2) touch (3) quality time (4) giving of gifts and (5) acts of service. 

So, if one of you wants to hear “I love you” from their partner to feel loved, but their partner gives them gifts instead, it will make them feel unloved.

When people have different love languages, they don’t understand each other’s attempts and giving and receiving love. [Read: Feeling unloved – 21 ways we feel less loved and how to feel love again]

20. Religious or political differences

They tell people to never talk about religion or politics on a first date. Well, that’s not very good advice. The reason for this is that the values that stem from these two topics are very core to who a person is.

If someone is Catholic and they are with someone who is Jewish, there might be a lot of clashes of viewpoints. The same is true for someone who is very liberal with a conservative partner. While you can try to not have it affect your relationship, it typically does, and it is a big reason relationships end.

21. Lack of personal responsibility

In order for couples to work through their problems, they both have to take personal responsibility for their actions. They can’t constantly blame their partner without looking at themselves and figuring out how their actions led to the condition of the relationship.

Unfortunately, too many people don’t like taking personal responsibility. It’s just too easy to point the finger at their partner, but usually, it takes two people to ruin a relationship. [Read: How to stop making the same mistakes in a relationship and learn]

22. Age differences

It might seem romantic to have a large age difference. And at first, it might not seem like a big deal at all. However, if there is a huge age gap – like more than 10 years – then, the two people practically grew up in different eras. This can affect the quality of the relationship.

Think about how it will be as time goes on. They will always be in different stages of their lives.

Maybe one has grown children, and the other still wants to start a family. Or when the older one is elderly, the younger one would have to take care of them. [Read: When does age difference in a relationship matter?]

23. Narcissism

Narcissism is an extreme form of selfishness. While most of us are selfish from time to time, narcissists are always selfish and never think about other people’s feelings, wants, needs, or desires. They lack any type of empathy whatsoever.

On the surface, the relationship may be good and seemingly healthy, but it really isn’t. This leads to emotional and mental games or abuse, which leads to the demise of a relationship. [Read: 20 signs of a narcissistic relationship that’ll destroy you slowly]

The confusing thing about narcissists is that they don’t always show themselves in the beginning. They appear to be just as charming and kind as a normal person. But over time, their real character reveals itself.

Not all relationships are good even if they appear to be

It’s not easy to understand why good relationships end, especially if you don’t learn to see the little details that can tear two people apart. To you, a relationship may appear perfect on paper. But when you look closely, you’ll see that there were always tiny cracks that were just waiting to get bigger and break the foundation of a relationship.

So if you’re wondering why a good relationship ends without warning, always remember to focus on these subtle signs and discuss them as soon as you can.

[Read: 34 big red flags in a relationship most people completely ignore early in a relationship]

Relationships have a ridiculously high failure rate and these common reasons happen to be the culprit behind their demise. If you want to avoid the reasons why good relationships end, avoid these at all costs!

The post 23 Reasons Why Good Relationships End Even If There Are No Red Flags is the original content of LovePanky - Your Guide to Better Love and Relationships.

Relationship Feels Like Friendship? 27 Reasons & How to Dirty It Up

Everyone has high hopes for romance and wants to ride off into the sunset and live happily ever after. But what if your relationship feels like friendship?

Feeling like your partner is your best friend is healthy for your relationship. But when your relationship feels like friendship only, and no longer feels romantic, you may want to make some changes.

Let’s talk about why your relationship feels like friendship so you can get to the bottom of the issue, before we look for the best ways to naughty and dirty up your relationship and make it scream sexy in no time!

[Read: 20 honest reasons and signs why you’re bored with your relationship]

Why your relationship feels like friendship

Once that honeymoon phase is gone and the excitement or passion takes a back seat, your relationship can feel like pure friendship. The mystery and intrigue you once had become comfort and security.

There is nothing wrong with that, but keeping that spark alive takes a little more work than just hanging out together.

So, you might be wondering why your relationship feels like a friendship all of a sudden.

How did you get here? What went wrong? Here are some of the biggest factors that probably led to where you are right now.

1. Neglect

As time goes by, many people start taking their partners for granted. When this happens, they neglect them.

They never do the little things – or the big things – that they used to do when the relationship was new. So, one or both of you have probably neglected the other person and the partnership as a whole. [Read: How to recognize the signs of emotional neglect in a relationship and fix it ASAP]

2. Conflict

Every couple will have their disagreements. But maybe you have had too many or you just don’t know how to handle them properly.

You might even resort to avoiding each other because you don’t want to start a fight or ignore the problems just to keep the peace. [Read: Are relationship fights normal? 15 signs you’re fighting way too much]

3. Lack of conversation

In order to not feel like just friends and emotionally connect with your lover, you have to talk to each other. You don’t necessarily have to talk about the origins of the universe or other deep topics, but you should be talking to each other on a regular basis about things more interesting than the weather.

4. Selfishness

While everyone can be selfish from time to time, when one or both of you is chronically selfish, this can damage a romantic relationship. This can cause you to withdraw in an attempt to get away from this behavior. [Read: Are you selfish in a relationship? 19 subtle signs you’ve become a real user]

5. Distractions

If you’re wondering why your relationship feels like friendship all of a sudden, perhaps you’re married and/or have children now. That really changes your life in a big way.

Suddenly, the focus of your relationship goes from each other to the children. But there are many other distractions that can take your focus away from the relationship too. 

6. Depression

Being depressed is a very common occurrence, unfortunately. So, it very well could be that one of you might be depressed.

Depression can lead you to not care much about life anymore, including your romantic relationship.

7. Addictions

If someone has gotten into drugs, drinking, smoking, video games, shopping, gambling, or any other kind of addiction, that will definitely make someone pay less attention to making their relationship happy. So, addictions can be a huge reason two people drift apart, and love can stagnate into friendship.

8. Lack of emotional intimacy

When you have physical intimacy, that leads to more emotional intimacy. And when you hold hands, cuddle, and talk to each other about your feelings, that will keep you bonded.

But if you are doing none of that, then your relationship would start to feel like friendship, and you two will probably feel more like roommates. [Read: How to emotionally connect with someone – 14 steps to feel way closer in no time]

9. Different sex drives

Let’s face it – sex is a big part of a romantic relationship. Without it, all you really have is a friendship.

So, maybe you have mismatched sex drives with your partner. This lack of physical intimacy will definitely make your relationship feel like a friendship.

10. Lack of commitment

Maybe one of you is just really bad at staying committed. This doesn’t have to mean cheating, but there does need to be a mental and emotional commitment to your partner.

So, maybe one or both of you has one foot out the door because they never really fully committed to the relationship. [Read: 19 ways to pull back in a relationship when you’re giving too much]

11. Working too much

Work is a huge part of most people’s lives. But some people can take it too far and become workaholics. When that happens, they ignore the upkeep in their relationship.

Even if working too much isn’t by choice, it can still cause two people to become distant from each other and turn passionate love into mutual friendship. [Read: Dating a workaholic – 20 signs and tips to maintain a happy relationship]

12. Apathy

When someone reaches a point of apathy – not caring – then the relationship can probably never be repaired.

When one or both people are apathetic, then it can lead to stagnation or resentment. For a relationship to thrive, you need to want it to work and put in the effort to make that happen. [Read: The signs of indifference in a relationship that predict a very real drift]

How to change things up when your relationship feels like friendship

You’re not platonic, so you need to actively make sure your relationship has the intimacy required of a lasting and loving couple. [Read: Being complacent in a relationship – How to read the signs and fix it]

At some point, in nearly every relationship, a couple comes to a point where the romance halts and the friendship takes over. But in order to regain that relationship feel, amp things up in some departments and slow things down in others.

1. Stop nagging

Nagging can make your relationship feel more like friendship. Nagging can take over all communication.

Think back to when you first started dating. When you wanted your partner to do something you would ask politely and not let it get to you. Just because you are comfortable doesn’t mean you have to let go of the consideration. [Read: How to stop nagging each other and let go of the partner pestering]

2. Avoid being roommates

This does not mean you shouldn’t live together, you just shouldn’t let your roommate relationship overtake your romantic one.

When it comes to bills, rent, and chores, try to separate them. Take an hour or so a week to discuss these things so it doesn’t interrupt your time as a couple.

Finance talk and fighting about who cleans the toilet does not say the spark is alive. [Read: How to spice up your sex life is 30 super sexy ways]

3. Make romantic time

At the beginning of a relationship, there is a lot of effort made when it comes to romance. Flowers are bought, candles are lit, and champagne is chilled. But once things get comfy, that tends to go out the window.

In order to bring back the relationship vibes and stop feeling like friends in a relationship, make the effort again. Take time to go on dates and get dressed up. Light candles with dinner and play music. These things are so simple, yet they truly make all the difference.

4. Vent to others friends

Too much venting can launch your relationship into a friendship. Yes, your partner is there to listen, but sometimes too much complaining can bring things down.

Instead, reach out to your other friends for venting, that’s what they are there for. By subtracting the complaining from the equation you’re leaving more time for other happy, couple conversations. [Read: 10 sexy conversation starters to get you both horny]

5. Be physical

Friendship easily takes over once the intimacy stops, and the relationship can start to feel like friendship. Everything from sex to kissing and even just rubbing a shoulder as you walk past makes all the difference. A simple touch can ignite a spark you thought was lost.

So make that reach. Instead of a kiss on the cheek before going off to work, have a real embrace. When sharing your stories from the week, rub each other’s shoulders.

Small acts of touch remind you of the attraction you once were absorbed by. [Read: 16 non-sexual touches to feel connected and loved]

6. PDA

Yes, we all slightly judge those couples who are heavily making out and eating each other’s faces in public spaces, but why are they doing that? Because they simply cannot keep their hands off each other. The passion there cannot be missed!

Whether you kiss while out to dinner, put your arm around each other on the train, or just hold hands while shopping, these things release a message not just to the public, but also to one another that you want to be that close always. [Read: What is PDA in a relationship? The full guide to every aspect of it]

7. Send cute texts

Flirting via text may very well be how your relationship began. And even if it reminds you of young high school love, that is good. The intensity in those young relationships is powerful.

So whether you just send an “I’m thinking of you” text throughout the day or add a cute message to something like “Don’t forget to pick up the milk,” that can help remind your partner of the fire still burning. [Read: 20 sexy ways to flirt with your girlfriend and make her feel desired]

8. Spice things up

If your relationship feels like friendship now, try new things in the bedroom, go on adventurous dates, and be spontaneous. Overcoming something new together bonds you. It reminds you how much you have invested in your partner.

And celebrating your success by baking a new meal together, going mountain climbing, or trying a new position in bed will bring you closer together.

9. Make everyday things more exciting

If your relationship feels like friendship, you probably do a lot of dull everyday things around one another. You get ready for work, make dinner, take a shower. So instead of going about those acts normally, make them more interesting. 

Hop in the shower together and listen to music while cooking dinner together. Dull tasks don’t have to be dull. [Read: 20 ways to spice up a relationship and go from bland to ka-pow]

10. Keep the mystery alive

You can keep being comfy and farting in front of one another, but keep the mystery alive in other ways. Instead of just stripping down and putting your PJs on at night, make it a sexy striptease. Or plan a secret date.

Even text your partner at work telling them you have a surprise for them. Being coy and mysterious about something gives your partner and you something to look forward to. [Read: 30 super-sexy ways to spice up your sex life tonight!]

11. Double date

You may think going out with friends would make you feel more like friends. But if you go on double dates with other couples, you’ll be more likely to reconnect. Seeing other couples holding hands or kissing reminds you of what you may be lacking.

It can help to start a conversation. And when you’re around other people, you tend to mirror mannerisms. So, if the couple you’re out with is cuddling in the booth, you are more likely to follow their lead. [Read: The best double dating ideas and why it’s good to go on one]

12. Notice the little things

When things get comfortable in a relationship, people get taken for granted. So start noticing the little things again – for example, when he opens the door for you or she picks up your favorite sushi for dinner.

These are not give-ins or things that come with any relationship. These are kind acts that show your partner went out of their way for you.

13. Flirt

Flirting is not just for strangers. You can flirt with your partner when you call them midday. You can flirt when you’re making dinner plans or even heading to the in-laws for brunch. 

Use your charm, your sense of humor, and your attraction to get those giddy feelings going again. Just try to avoid too much sarcasm as that can come off as passive-aggressive and very friendzone-like. [Read: How to flirt with your boyfriend – 20 ways to keep it sexy and sweet] 

14. Cuddle

Has date night turned into watching Netflix on the sofa? That’s fine. But instead of sitting on opposite sides of the sofa eating popcorn, get closer. Cuddling, leaning on one another, and even stroking your partner’s arm can reignite intimacy in a new way.

A simple touch can make all the difference! [Read: 17 ways to rekindle romance and spark up your love life]

15. Try counseling

If you just don’t know where to start or how to make one of these moves, counseling may be your best bet. Starting a conversation and getting your partner to agree to it can be difficult, especially because you may not be fighting at all.

When your relationship feels like friendship, your partner may not even realize something is wrong because you get along, just not in a romantic way. Try to tell your partner you love them, but something is missing and you want to find the romance. They should understand and at least give it a try.

What happens if none of this works? Well, maybe you are better as friends. Some relationships just aren’t meant to be. [Read: Mutual breakup – Why they happen and how to recognize the signs]

Of course, not all couples have crazy hot chemistry and a burning passion, but some sort of attraction and romance should be alive. 

[Read: 30 must-follow relationship rules for successful love]

If your relationship feels like friendship, try everything you can to reignite the flame. But if that doesn’t work, friendship may be the best way to keep this person in your life.

The post Relationship Feels Like Friendship? 27 Reasons & How to Dirty It Up is the original content of LovePanky - Your Guide to Better Love and Relationships.

27 Signs of an Unhappy Person That Are Hidden Behind a Happy Smile

Life isn’t always rainbows and butterflies. Everyone goes through rough times, but some people don’t bounce back. Here are the signs of an unhappy person.

We all want to help our friends and family be as happy as they can be. But when you don’t know the signs of an unhappy person, how are you supposed to help or just know when to be there?

You may even be unhappy yourself, but could be in such denial that you don’t realize it. The first step to being happier is to know the signs of an unhappy person. Once you see it, you can move forward.

Why an unhappy person is hard to spot

You may think that noticing when a loved one is unhappy should be relatively easy. But when people are upset, disappointed, or just feeling mediocre, they tend not to show it off.

How many times have you felt down yet still told everyone you were fine. No one wants to be a burden or air their dirty laundry.

You can be unhappy due to personal issues, mental illness, money, your job, and the list goes on. But like most people, those feelings are often bottled up so that you can put a happy face on. But, even with all that effort to seem okay, unhappiness tends to sneak out in other ways.

Certain personality traits or behaviors are signs of an unhappy person. You just have to be aware of them in your life or someone else’s to point it out and hopefully move forward.

If you’re wondering why you’re unhappy in the first place, take a look at these most common reasons why people become unhappy with themselves before you read on.

The well-hidden signs of an unhappy person that are easy to miss

What a downer, huh? It is easy to spot a happy person usually. You know them when you see them. They give off a genuine and even calming vibe.

But the signs of an unhappy person can be easily missed. Everything from having a bad day to being clinically depressed can hide behind these actions and behaviors, so keep an eye out.

1. Insecurity

Someone who is insecure and lacks confidence may not be entirely unhappy. Self-esteem issues can carry into every aspect of life and spread unhappiness around.

An insecure individual who struggles with their appearance may be more nervous about a job interview or dating. That can lead to them not wanting to speak up in a meeting or draw attention to themselves. We all have insecurities. It is human nature.

But, if you notice you or someone in your life constantly struggling with insecurities and it negatively impacts their life, they may very well be an unhappy person. [Read: The 29 signs of insecurity and how to rise above]

2. Angst

Think about how you were when you were 13 or so. There is a good chance you hated the world, didn’t want to talk to many other people, and just always expected the worst.

An unhappy person reflects their unhappiness onto the world and everyone around them.

3. Irritability

Again, teenagers go through a lot and tend to be irritable, but as we get older, we tend to be a bit better at holding back in stressful or annoying moments. Someone who is unhappy may find it difficult to control themselves in times like these.

One of the signs of an unhappy person would be snapping at someone for a small indiscretion or mistake or constantly being annoyed. [Read: How to deal with the rude people in your life]

4. Indifference

Unhappiness is not a good feeling, so in order to avoid feeling it, many people try to stop caring. Unhappy people may answer every question with, “I don’t know,” or, “I don’t care.”

By not putting any meaning on things, someone who is unhappy prevents themselves from being even more disappointed, or even trying to look internally.

5. Disconnection

Similarly to feeling indifferent, they may disconnect themselves from those around them. They cancel plans, flake on friends very often, and avoid seeing or talking to people. They may want to dwell alone or they don’t want others to ask how they are.

If someone pushes you away and you cannot think of a logical reason for it, they may be begging for comfort silently. [Read: Is someone pushing you away? 23 reasons why they push, signs and what to do next]

6. Lack of effort

You know how after a long day you don’t have the energy to make dinner or do laundry so you plop on the sofa in your work clothes, order dinner, and just sit there until you fall asleep?

Well, stretch that out into everyday life. A sign of an unhappy person is a constant lack of effort with everything from work, to diet, to exercise, or even basic cleaning. [Read: 15 steps to stop being sad and alter your state of mind]

7. Fear

We all have a touch of fear about our futures, failure, etc. But someone who is unhappy already feels down, so they are in a position where the fear takes over and gets the best of them. They are afraid to live their life to the fullest and take risks.

They only see the bad things that could happen, not all the wonderful ones. Someone who is happy, on the other hand, would be hopeful for a positive outcome when taking a chance.

8. Jealousy

Jealousy is a bad look on everyone, but very often it is not from a place of hatred or anger, it just looks that way. Most of the time, jealousy comes from a person who is unhappy with themselves.

It is sort of like a grade-school bully. They don’t have control in their lives so instead of focusing on that, they put others down for being different. 

An adult who is unhappy with their position at work or the fact that they are single might spread rumors about a coworker that is up for a promotion or complain about their happily married friend out of bitterness. [Read: Why am I so jealous? The real reasons why we feel it and how to fix it]

9. Need to stay busy

Although some people that are unhappy roll back on work and socializing, others try to stay as busy as possible. They want to surround themselves with people so they are constantly distracted from their unhappiness.

It can be difficult for someone who is unhappy to be alone, even just overnight. So if you have a friend that is constantly out and about, they might be overcompensating.

10. Lack of fulfillment

Someone constantly wanting more or expecting more from their life will never be happy. And if you know someone feeling unfulfilled with their job or home life but isn’t doing anything to change, they are likely unhappy. [Read: 20 unique ways to draw happiness from within yourself]

11. Excessive drinking

Sometimes you just get a little nuts. Maybe your team won the Super Bowl or you got engaged, but if heavy drinking is becoming a regular routine, not only is unhappiness likely the answer, but if it isn’t dealt with soon, it can become a serious problem.

If you have noticed yourself or a friend drinking more than usual, say something. Offer or ask for help. Drinking to numb the pain of unhappiness may feel good at the moment, but in the long run, even by the next day, it does more harm than good.

12. Chronic fatigue or pain

Yes, chronic pain and fatigue can be due to actual medical conditions. If you see some of these other signs of an unhappy person along with someone always saying that they are tired or in pain that can be another sign. [Read: What it’s like to love someone with depression]

13. Weight gain or loss

Once again, noticeable weight gain or weight loss in a small period of time can be a sign of a medical issue, but it can also be a sign of unhappiness when combined with other signs on this list.

14. Judgmental

Someone constantly looking down on other people or is close-minded is likely unhappy. Someone who fears being judged by others may judge as a defense mechanism.

15. Always waiting

People that are happy don’t wait for good things to come along, they make them happen. If they want a better job, they go and look for one. But, someone who is unhappy may dwell in their unhappiness. They are always waiting for happiness to find them.

They may complain about their life, their job, or their relationship, but they never do anything to change their life. They are just always waiting for something to happen to them.

16. Pessimistic

Not everyone is always cheery and optimistic all the time. So, it’s not unusual to not always look on the bright side of life.

However, if a person is literally incapable of seeing anything good in their lives, then that is definitely one of the signs of an unhappy person. [Read: How to be more positive – 24 steps to a happy and dramatic life shift]

17. Excessive sleeping

Everyone likes a good night’s sleep. But there’s a difference between liking to get 8-10 hours of sleep a night and sleeping all day. If someone is sleeping way into the afternoon or even misses school or work because they can’t get out of bed, that is an unhappy person.

18. Constant complaining

There are always going to be things about our lives that we don’t like. But most normal people will either try to make the best of things or ignore them.

At worst, they might complain about something that is really important. But an unhappy person complains about everything – and very frequently. There is nothing that they find alright in their lives. [Read: How to think positive and reprogram your mind to stay positive]

19. Hopelessness

When something bad happens to a normal person, they have a feeling of despair for a short time and then just get on with life.

But when someone has a general, lingering feeling of hopelessness in their lives all the time, that is because they are unhappy.

Life is never hopeless, but someone who is depressed will always think it is. [Read: Feeling hopeless – How to stop feeling overwhelmed and see hope again]

20. Fallen out of their routine

If you notice that someone stopped doing what they used to do, then they are probably unhappy. It could be something as simple as not brushing their teeth or putting on pajamas before they go to bed.

Or, it could be that they have stopped going out with their friends every Thursday night like they used to. A change in routine is one of the signs of an unhappy person.

21. Avoidance behaviors

Some of these avoidance behaviors can be subtle at first like canceling plans at the last minute, or a usually on-time person showing up late. They might even offer excuses of why they can’t or won’t do something that they would normally enjoy.

22. Hiding in their clothes

While this might sound like a silly sign of unhappiness, it happens a lot. If they are wearing big sweatshirts with the hood up all the time, big jackets, or their hats pulled down, then they are trying to “slip away” and go unnoticed in the world. [Read: Loving someone with depression – Why it’s not your job to fix them]

23. Bad decisions

Not everyone makes good decisions all the time. But there are accidental bad decisions, and then there are monumentally bad decisions.

It could be anything from using drugs, excessive gambling, or shopping too much. If you see that their decision-making skills are particularly dangerous, then they are probably unhappy.

24. Withdrawal

This can mean either emotional or physical withdrawal. If someone doesn’t talk to you like they used to or share feelings anymore, then they are emotionally withdrawing from you. Physical withdrawal includes things like not coming out of their room or basement for hours or even days on end. [Read: Emotional numbness – How you could slip into it and ways to get out fast]

25. Lack of eye contact

Looking someone in the eyes shows that you are connecting with them. As they say, “the eyes are the window to the soul.”

So, an excessive lack of eye contact shows that they are trying to disconnect from people. They want to be left alone and not be emotionally involved with anyone. [Read: Dating someone with depression – 25 signs and truths you must know]

26. Not answering texts or phone calls

If they’re not answering emails, texts, or returning phone calls, then that is also one of the signs of an unhappy person.

It’s not unusual if it happens once in a while, but complete avoidance of these activities means they are trying to isolate themselves from other people.

27. Alone time

Similar to what we mentioned above, if they are physically withdrawing on a regular basis in favor of having alone time, it’s because they don’t feel happy enough to engage with other people socially. And if you have a feeling that they would never see people again if given a choice, then this is a huge problem.

[Read: The rules of life – 22 secrets to never be unhappy ever again]

These are all subtle but very dangerous signs of an unhappy person. Being able to tell if you or a friend is unhappy is a great way to make happiness that much more attainable. Please remember, you are not a therapist. If you think a friend is in trouble, offer to listen, but always seek advice from a licensed professional.

The post 27 Signs of an Unhappy Person That Are Hidden Behind a Happy Smile is the original content of LovePanky - Your Guide to Better Love and Relationships.