We spoke with psychotherapist Megan Bruneau, M.A., and psychoanalyst Babita Spinelli, L.P., about how to know when a relationship is over. Whether you’re thinking of ending things—or think your partner might—here are the signs to look for: Relationships go through rough patches and sometimes feel like they’re over, she says, “but sometimes these are just natural ebbs and flows.” No relationship is perfect, despite how we might romanticize them, and “a lot of people quit at the first sign of challenge in a relationship,” she notes. If this list of signs resonated with you, but you don’t want to give up just yet, know that it’s possible to save a relationship that’s falling apart. You and your partner can try to make it work with open communication, active dedication, and maybe some professional support. But if you’re fairly certain it’s over, remember that while it may be difficult, sometimes going your separate ways is the best option for the both of you.
