Sometimes the relationship ends suddenly. Just yesterday you were a happy couple, but today you are single and probably sad. But there's usually some sort of silent build-up going on under the surface that makes one or both partners realize that this relationship just isn't for them. And this is brutal stuff. Falling in love is wonderful, but falling out of love... And these are the 5 brutally honest stages that such couples face.
That is 5 brutally honest stages, which you go through when you see that your relationship no longer makes sense.
Denial
Realizing that a relationship isn't going to work isn't something that happens in an instant. It may seem like some kind of epiphany, but it's probably been building up for a while - whether you want to admit it or not. Something in the relationship just wasn't right, maybe they were drifting apart or the attraction was gone. And instead of facing the problems, you suppress the feelings and hope they will go away on their own.
Anger
The problems are getting bigger and bigger and harder to deny. You haven't directly addressed them yet, but they're starting to affect your relationship nonetheless. You may argue more and communicate less. You may not want your partner to touch you. Maybe you're getting on your nerves and are looking for excuses to spend more time apart. You still hope that this is just a difficult phase in your relationship and that you will overcome it. But persuasion is always more difficult...
Negotiation
There is no denying it now, something is wrong between you two. In fact, they are now talking (or fighting) about it. You start working on the relationship and maybe decide to see a professional. But you know in your heart that it won't work, and all your friends watching agree. It's time to say goodbye to the relationship because your emotional needs have not been met.
Depression
Just because you've figured out for yourself that the relationship isn't going to work doesn't mean the breakup won't be painful. That's why you're already grieving beforehand, even though you're aware that you haven't really left your partner yet. You also imagine what your life will be like after the breakup. How to break up, who will move out? You're getting closer to breaking up, but a part of you still doesn't want to let go of your partner.
Reconciliation
It must be a bittersweet feeling, but you have finally fully accepted that this partner is not for you. It's time to take the next step and move on. Stop lying to yourself, your partner and your friends. It's not easy, but by accepting the harsh truth, you will finally be free.
