Saying your relationship is dead means it stopped working a long time ago. Problems, misunderstandings, arguments, poor communication, and a lack of connection have destroyed it, often without you realising it.

This doesn't mean you don't notice when things aren't right, but we often minimize issues, hoping they'll fix themselves or get distracted by other problems, like work, which makes it hard to see what's happening in the relationship.

It's best not to let things get to this point and do everything possible to maintain a healthy, happy, and long-lasting relationship. However, it's also important to recognize when a relationship is beyond saving.

When your partner feels like just a roommate, they're no longer giving you what you need, and it's not leading to happiness. Knowing the signs is the first step in deciding.

How to know if your relationship is dead?

Psychology Today expert Bruce Y. Lee MD identifies clear signs that your relationship is dead and no longer serving you:

Trust is lost, even without a specific incident.
There is no emotional connection.
Communication and understanding are lacking.
Respect is gone.
Resentment has built up.
There's no effort to make things work.
You avoid spending time, talking, or sharing with your partner.
Your partner is not a priority, and neither are you to them.
You have very different or opposite goals.
You can't imagine a future with your partner.

What can you do if you think your relationship is dead?

Sometimes, a relationship that seems dead can be revived if both partners are committed to making it work.

Healthline says many relationships lose their spark over time, but that doesn't always mean they're beyond repair.

Analyse the causes: Identify what caused the connection to deteriorate. Take responsibility for your actions without assigning blame and understand how the problems started.
Learn to compromise: Negotiate, give in, and find middle ground where both partners feel good and get what they need.
Spend time with friends: This isn't about cheating but about maintaining your mental health and sense of self.
Physical contact: Hugs and physical touch help you feel more present, release oxytocin, improve your mood, and create closeness with your partner.
Make an informed decision: Don't stay in a relationship just because you're in it. Analyse whether it's worth staying or if it's better to move on.

[ Via GQ Mexico]