10 Body Language Signals That May Reveal Trouble in Your Relationship

Ever feel like something’s off in your relationship but don’t know what exactly? It’s not what your partner says that reveals the most, but how they act. Body language can be incredibly telling, offering little clues about how someone’s really feeling. In this article, we’re diving into those subtle signals that might hint at a forever love or a deeper issue beneath the surface.

1. There aren’t any visible protective gestures in your relationship.

Protective gestures, like putting an arm around you in public, holding your hand when crossing the street, or stepping in when someone’s making you uncomfortable, are clear signs your partner truly cares.

So if these subtle gestures of protection aren’t visible, then your relationship might be in trouble. These little actions show they want to keep you safe and feel close to you. As Grady Shumway, licensed clinical social worker explains, simple things like thoughtful gestures all help build emotional connection and show love in a relationship.

2. There is no eye-contact happening.

When avoiding eye contact becomes a pattern, it might be saying more than you think. Whether it’s a sign of emotional distance, a loss of trust, or even that your partner is hiding something, a lack of eye contact can be a red flag in a relationship.

But it’s also important to note that there’s more than one type of eye-contact.

Types of eye-contact and what they are saying:

• Intentionally avoiding eye contact: If your partner is purposely avoiding eye contact, it could mean they’re upset, hiding something, or there’s tension, so it might be time for an honest chat.
• Unintentionally avoiding eye contact: Sometimes your partner isn’t ignoring you, they might just be distracted, shy, or not even aware they’re doing it.
• Accidental glances: A quick, one-time eye meeting from a stranger probably doesn’t mean anything, it was likely just a random glance.
• Conscious glances: If someone looks your way and then quickly looks away when you catch them, there’s a chance they were checking you out and got shy about it.
• Lingering glances: When eye contact lasts a few extra seconds, especially after a laugh or smile, it usually means there’s a spark or connection.
• Intense eye contact: Long, locked eye contact is a strong sign someone’s really into you or wants to get closer emotionally.

3. The hugs are cold and stiff.

A good squeeze from your significant other has the power to put a smile on your face. Hugs trigger feel-good chemicals in your brain, kind of like eating your favorite comfort food. So when hugs feel awkward or like you’re hugging a brick wall, it might mean your partner is emotionally checked out and not feeling close to you anymore.

Not getting enough good hugs can actually mess with your mind and body more than you’d think. So when you’re missing out on that kind of affection from the person that’s meant to provide it to you, it can leave you feeling lonely.

Over time, this lack of touch can lead to things like depression, trouble sleeping, feeling disconnected, or even physical aches and pains.

4. Closed-mouth cold kisses

With so many different types of kisses to choose from, a tight-lipped, quick kiss on the mouth with no warmth or smile is a red flag that intimacy may be fading between you two.

Other times it could just simply mean they’re in a rush, not fully into it, or pulling back emotionally. To figure out what it really means, think about your relationship, the moment, and what else might be going on and ask your partner directly.

5. You’re no longer smiling or laughing together.

This is often a sign that the joy and emotional closeness in the relationship is slipping away. Even when there’s no genuineness and one partner has to fake joy in the presence of the other.

This emotional detachment doesn’t always show up as anger or sadness, sometimes it looks like your partner just not caring when something good happens to you. If they barely react to your wins or happy news, it could be a sign that they’ve emotionally checked out.

6. Smirking at each other

A smirk can be super dismissive. It sends the message that your partner feels above you or just doesn’t respect you anymore. But it also depends on the context. Sometimes, a smirk means they’re thinking something rude about you but don’t care enough to say it.

That said, not all smirks are bad, if someone’s smirking because they find something funny, or they’re feeling playful, it could just be harmless or even flirty.

7. Mimicking to embarrass

Mimicking each other’s movements is often a sign that a couple is really connected and in love, because when we’re around someone a lot and find them attractive, we tend to mimic their gestures and mannerisms, usually without even realizing it.

But copying each other in a mean or sarcastic way, especially in public, shows a lack of kindness and signals growing tension or resentment.

8. Placing hands on a forehead.

When someone puts their hands on their forehead, it usually means they’re frustrated or feel like they’re not being heard. If your partner does this a lot, it might be a sign they’re feeling stuck so try to check in and really listen to what they’re trying to say.

When we’re really listening and interested in what someone’s saying, our hands tend to show it. Open palms usually mean we’re open-minded and paying attention.

9. They walk ahead of you instead of besides you.

When couples are really connected, you can often see it in the way they walk together. If they’re in sync, matching pace and style, it usually means they’re emotionally in tune and paying attention to each other without even needing to say a word.

Rose Hackman shares her experience of how a walking distance foreshadowed the end of a relationship and contrasts it to her parents, who always hiked side-by-side and had a beautiful close relationship until the very end. These are the lessons she learnt from it:

• Physical distance is usually a reflection of emotional distance. If one partner frequently walks ahead, it can symbolize a preference for distance, even when they’re physically together.
• When one person pulls ahead, the other often has space to question the relationship or feel unsure about its direction.
• Some people interpret walking apart as being given freedom; others see it as being left alone, even in a partnership.
• Lack of awareness is telling. If your partner constantly strides ahead without noticing or waiting, it shows they may be more focused on themselves than on shared connection.
• Walking together at a similar pace and pausing when needed shows mutual respect and awareness; not doing this may hint at a disconnect.

So a mismatched walking pace can be a subtle indicator of how connected, or disconnected, a couple really is.

10. Constant sighing

Heavy sighs during conversations can mean boredom or frustration, and it might signal that one or both of you aren’t happy in the relationship.

Saying “I love you” too often in your relationship might not be such a good thing. Check out this article to find out why and what the better alternatives are.