Latest news with #relationshipbreakdown
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Lifestyle
- Yahoo
13 Subtle Clues Your Husband Is Already Halfway Out The Door
It's not always easy to notice when your relationship is headed south, especially when you're occupied with the busyness of everyday life. Sometimes the signs are subtle and easy to overlook. If you're wondering whether your husband is gradually pulling away, it's possible there are signs right in front of you. Here are 13 subtle clues to help you gauge whether your husband might be halfway out the door. These aren't definitive answers, but they could be red flags worth considering. 1. There Are Breakdowns In Communication You've noticed that your once open lines of communication have hit a snag. Conversations that were once easy and free-flowing now feel stilted or constrained. He might respond tersely to questions or avoid deep conversations altogether. According to Dr. John Gottman, a relationship expert, the "Four Horsemen" of relationship breakdown include stonewalling, which can manifest as shutting down conversations. If your husband frequently avoids dialogue, it might indicate he's disengaging emotionally. It might not just be about the serious topics, either; even everyday chatter could seem diminished. You might find him uninterested in sharing details about his day or asking about yours. Sometimes, this withdrawal isn't intentional but a subconscious sign of losing interest. It can create a growing emotional distance that becomes harder to bridge over time. Assess whether you feel like you're starting to live parallel rather than intertwined lives. 2. He's Spending More Time Away From You He's spending more time away from you, whether it's at work, with friends, or alone. While it's perfectly healthy for both partners to have personal time, a noticeable increase in his absence might suggest he's seeking space from the relationship. Has he started making plans that regularly exclude you? A sudden uptick in solo activities can be a signal that he's mentally and emotionally distancing himself. Sometimes this time apart isn't just on the weekends or evenings; it can extend to vacations or business trips. If he's opting for trips without inviting you or suggesting you come along, it could be a sign of his desire for separation. It's worth considering if this new pattern of behavior feels intentional. Does he seem to relish his time away more than usual? If so, perhaps it's time to have a conversation about why that might be. 3. He Doesn't Give You Physical Affection Physical affection is one of the cornerstones of most romantic relationships. If you notice a decline in hugs, kisses, or simple hand-holding, that absence can signal a deeper issue. According to Dr. Kory Floyd, a professor of communication, physical affection is linked to relational satisfaction and emotional presence. When physical touch decreases significantly, it might reflect an emotional withdrawal as well. It could be worth discussing why this change has happened and what it means for both of you. Sometimes it's not just about the absence of physical touch but an uncomfortable presence when affection is initiated. Have you noticed him pulling away when you try to get close? This reaction might not be deliberate but could indicate discomfort or disinterest. It's important to approach the topic sensitively, as any underlying issues could be sensitive or complex. Understanding his perspective may help you both navigate back to a more affectionate place. 4. He's Emotionally Detached Emotional detachment can often sneak in gradually, making it hard to pinpoint when things started feeling different. If your husband seems emotionally distant or indifferent, it could be a sign he's pulling away. This might manifest as a lack of empathy or interest in your feelings and experiences. You might share something important, only to feel like you're talking to a wall. This detachment can create a sense of loneliness even when you're together. It's crucial to consider whether this emotional distance is affecting your relationship's overall dynamic. Are you starting to feel like strangers sharing the same space? Emotional detachment doesn't always mean he's checked out for good, but it could be a symptom of underlying issues. Rather than ignoring it, try having an open conversation to understand what's causing this detachment. Addressing it early might prevent further emotional drift. 5. He Avoids Future Plans Planning for the future is a natural part of any relationship's progression. If your husband begins to shy away from talking about future plans, it might be cause for concern. Research from Dr. Terri Orbuch, a relationship expert, highlights that couples who frequently discuss their future tend to have stronger, healthier bonds. If he's hesitant to discuss what lies ahead, it could signal uncertainty about the relationship. Avoiding future-oriented conversations might mean he's unsure if he wants to be a part of it. This avoidance can pop up in different aspects, whether it's about a future vacation, family, or even small weekend plans. Does he change the topic or answer noncommittally when you bring up the future? While it's natural to be unsure about some things, a consistent pattern of avoidance might be a red flag. Consider having an open discussion about where he sees the relationship headed. Understanding his mindset might help you both get on the same page. 6. His Priorities Shift You might notice his priorities have shifted, and you seem to be lower on his list. This change can manifest in subtle ways, like putting more emphasis on work or hobbies than your relationship. While it's healthy to have interests outside of the partnership, a drastic shift can signal a deeper issue. Has he started to cancel plans with you in favor of other commitments? If so, it might indicate that his focus is moving away from the relationship. Sometimes, these shifts can be gradual and hard to spot at first. It might begin with a few missed date nights or canceled plans and slowly turn into a pattern. You may start to feel sidelined or like an afterthought, which can be damaging to the relationship's foundation. Discussing these changes with him can help understand where his priorities lie. This conversation might bring clarity and potentially realign your mutual goals. 7. His Behavior Is Secretive Secrecy can be a significant red flag in any relationship. If you notice he's become more secretive about his phone, emails, or whereabouts, this behavior might be cause for concern. Dr. Tammy Nelson, a relationship therapist, states that transparency is key to trust in a relationship. A sudden shift towards secrecy can be a sign that he's hiding something or feels guilty about certain behaviors. While it doesn't always mean the worst, it's worth addressing openly. This secretive behavior can manifest in small ways that might initially seem insignificant. Perhaps he's spending more time on his phone, quickly turning the screen away when you enter the room. Or maybe he's hesitant to share details about his day. These changes might not seem like much individually, but together, they could indicate a larger issue at play. Addressing this behavior calmly and directly can help you both understand what's driving it. 8. There's Been An Uptick In Arguments Every couple argues, but if the frequency and intensity of your arguments have increased, it might signify underlying issues. You might notice that small disagreements quickly escalate into bigger fights. This uptick in conflict can be a way of expressing dissatisfaction or frustration that isn't being addressed directly. It can create a tense atmosphere where you're both walking on eggshells. If arguments feel more like battlegrounds than discussions, it might be time to evaluate what's really going on. Sometimes these arguments aren't just about the issue at hand but are symptomatic of deeper resentment or unhappiness. Are you arguing about things that never used to bother you before? This increase in conflict can be exhausting and emotionally draining. It's important to recognize if these arguments are productive or just ways to vent deeper frustrations. Finding the root cause might help in reducing the frequency and intensity of these disputes. 9. He Has No Interest In Shared Activities You might find he no longer takes pleasure in activities you both used to enjoy. Whether it's a shared hobby, a TV show, or even a simple walk, his lack of interest could be telling. It might feel like pulling teeth to get him to participate, and when he does, his enthusiasm seems forced. This change can be disheartening and make you question the connection you once had. Shared activities often strengthen bonds, and their absence can create emotional distance. It's not always about the activity itself but what it represents. Engaging in things together usually signifies a desire to connect and share experiences. If he's opting out more often than not, it might indicate he's pulling away emotionally. Consider discussing why these activities have lost their allure for him. Understanding his perspective might help reignite shared interests or find new ones to explore together. 10. He Has A Dismissive Attitude A dismissive attitude can manifest in the way he responds to your thoughts, feelings, or concerns. If he's quick to brush off what you say or dismiss your feelings as unimportant, it can be incredibly hurtful. This behavior might indicate that he no longer values your perspective or is unwilling to engage with your emotional needs. Feeling unheard or trivialized can be damaging to your self-esteem and the health of the relationship. Sometimes this dismissiveness isn't just about what you say but how you feel. If he tells you that you're overreacting or being too sensitive, it might reflect a lack of empathy. This attitude can create a significant emotional gap between you both. It's important to address this behavior and discuss how it makes you feel. Acknowledging your emotions and experiences is crucial for a supportive partnership. 11. He's Criticizing You More An uptick in criticism can be a sign that he's becoming dissatisfied with the relationship. If you find him pointing out your flaws or criticizing things he once overlooked, it might be a red flag. This behavior can be a way to express unhappiness without addressing the root cause. Often, increased criticism can erode self-esteem and create tension within the relationship. It's essential to consider whether this criticism is constructive or purely negative. Sometimes these critiques aren't just about you but reflect his own internal struggles or dissatisfaction. Are there underlying issues he's not addressing, using criticism as an outlet instead? This behavior can create a hostile environment where you feel like you can't do anything right. Addressing this pattern directly can help uncover the real issues behind the criticism. Understanding his viewpoint and discussing how it impacts you both can lead to healthier communication. 12. He Feels Like Your Roommate The dynamic of your relationship might have shifted to feeling more like roommates than partners. This change can happen gradually, making it hard to notice until it's deeply ingrained. You might find that you're coexisting rather than truly living together, sharing a space but not a connection. This feeling can be isolating and suggest that the relationship is losing its intimacy and closeness. It might be a sign that he's emotionally checked out. Living like roommates often means you're sharing responsibilities but not sharing lives. The emotional and intimate aspects of your relationship might feel like they're on the back burner. This shift can be difficult to navigate and might require a conscious effort to revive the connection. It's important to address these feelings before they become the norm. Open communication about what you both want from the relationship can help bridge the emotional gap. Have A Gut Feeling Sometimes, your intuition might be the strongest indicator that something's off. If you have a persistent gut feeling that he's pulling away, it's worth exploring. While feelings aren't always based on hard facts, they can be a valuable guide. Your instincts might pick up on subtle changes that your conscious mind hasn't yet registered. Trusting your gut doesn't mean jumping to conclusions but rather tuning into what your emotions are telling you. It's essential to differentiate between gut feelings and insecurities, though. Consider whether your intuition is based on observable changes or if it's rooted in personal fears. Sometimes, an open conversation about these feelings can provide clarity and reassurance. It's important to approach the topic with empathy and a willingness to understand his perspective. Addressing your concerns can lead to a deeper connection and a better understanding of each other's needs. Solve the daily Crossword
Daily Mail
04-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Seven star opens up about shock split with fiancé of three years: 'There were things I couldn't come back from'
A 7News Queensland presenter has opened up about the 'toughest year' of her life, which saw her relationship break down just weeks after her mother's death. Chief reporter Katrina Blowers was left 'blindsided' and 'nearly broken' last year when she split from fiancé Adam Yates after a three-year relationship. What made the separation harder was the death of her mother, Elizabeth Barnes, to motor neurone disease just weeks earlier, reported The Courier Mail on Friday. 'It has definitely been the toughest year of my life. It nearly broke me, I'm not going to sugar-coat that,' she told the publication. 'I had to come to terms with the loss of my mother, but also the loss of a future that I had to recalibrate.' From A-list scandals and red carpet mishaps to exclusive pictures and viral moments, subscribe to the DailyMail's new showbiz newsletter to stay in the loop. Katrina went on to say facing a relationship breakdown while mourning the loss of her mother 'affected her mental health' in the most 'challenging' way. The reporter said she was shocked by the split, as she was in the midst of planning her wedding to the former Surfing Queensland CEO, whom she met in 2021. Katrina said Adam stuck by her side during hospital visits to see her mother, but their romance crumbled following the funeral, less than a year after their engagement. 'There were things I couldn't come back from, and I chose to end the engagement. I was completely shocked; it was really tough,' she said of the break-up. Now, Katrina has only the remnants of nuptials which never came to fruition, including a wedding dress which she has decided to donate to charity. Adam popped the question to Katrina in 2023 in an elaborate surprise proposal while on holiday in the Maldives to celebrate his 40th birthday. The Brisbane-based news anchor was left stunned when Adam got down on one knee beside a pool covered in 'one million' rose petals shipped in from India. Staff are said to have spent 'the whole day individually peeling the petals off the roses to fill the pool'. Adam also proposed with 'the exact ring' Katrina had dreamed of—an oval-shaped diamond on a thin gold band. 'I'm usually pretty alert to clues and things, but he really got me going. It really surprised me,' Katrina said at the time. 'I was just blown away. It's made me feel, honestly, so, so special and the level of thought and attention to detail that he went to is incredible.' Katrina was previously married to a man named Tom, with whom she shares children Zahra, 17, and Jed, 14. The pair divorced in 2019 after a 20-year relationship—13 of which were spent in marriage.
Telegraph
19-06-2025
- Lifestyle
- Telegraph
I live in a van, shower at the gym and shelter in Wetherspoons – and I feel totally free
The stats tell their own story: in the UK, the average household has £58,000 worth of possessions, including 118 pieces of clothing. In the States, the average home has 300,000 items in total. So what happens when you have to dramatically downsize? Charlotte Bradman knows all about that: after a relationship ended and her house was repossessed, she was forced to find an alternative way of living. It was only after getting rid of the clutter in her life – both physical and mental – that she found her way again. Her solution? Moving into a van with only life's essentials. Relationship breakdown 'Getting rid of everything was really hard initially because you feel like a failure,' says Bradman, 42. 'You've had your house repossessed and society teaches us that we are successful if we own our own home. I had suddenly lost my sense of self and self-worth. 'I'd bought the three-bedroom townhouse in Keighley, West Yorkshire, with an ex-partner in my 20s. After a while he didn't want the responsibility of a mortgage any more and the relationship broke down. He left and I was on my own paying the mortgage. I rented all the rooms out in order to keep the house. 'After eight years, he wanted to sell the property,' says Bradman, who was working as a housing litigation consultant at the time. 'We couldn't sell it as it was in negative equity, so I gave the keys to him, he moved back in, and after two months it got repossessed. 'Once I had come to terms with it [the repossession], I started getting rid of all the things that I had collected over the years: vintage furniture, clothes, books and art. It was the most liberating experience I have ever had.' Then, just over four years ago, fine art graduate Bradman upped sticks and moved to Cornwall, a place she'd holidayed in and loved as a child. She drove down in a grey Citroën Relay van, which she customised herself. It had the basics of just a portaloo and hob – with no shower, oven or fridge. And she took to life on the road with gusto, moving around and working along the Cornish coast. Placing value in material things Growing up in Keighley, Bradman says she watched her parents – mum Julie, a medical secretary, and dad Stuart, a builder – work six days a week so they could buy material things. 'My dad very much subscribed to your worth as a human being measured by material things. He wanted to keep up with his peers. He had a Range Rover, a speedboat and a big detached house. But we didn't really own any of it. It was all loans, none of it was real.' Bradman's parents split up when she was 14. But she too succumbed to the idea of material things equalling success, getting herself into debt buying designer clothes and cars. 'Was I happy? No. Because I was working hard to try and keep up with the payments for all these things.' An unconventional lifestyle Now everything she owns has its place in her van. Recently, Charlotte has upgraded and treated herself to a white Vauxhall Movano but in her Citroën Relay, she had just a hob to cook on. 'I had a lot of one pot stews then,' says Bradman. 'And I've got this really brilliant contraption called a Bright Spark, it toasts bread really well on a single hob. But I probably wasn't eating as varied a diet as I should have been.' Breakfast would be granola, and meals would be dishes like chickpea curry. In winter she'd sometimes go to a Wetherspoons for a treat. 'They would often have an open fire and I could get a hot chocolate or a refillable coffee. I could charge my phone and my laptop. In my first van I didn't have anywhere to do that.' In the Vauxhall, she has an oven and a small fridge, but still no shower. The van is insulated and thankfully Cornish winters are not as harsh as Yorkshire ones, she says. 'I've expanded my diet and eat much more healthily now. But I've never had a shower in any of my vans, because they take up too much space. And you can get a shower anywhere – leisure centres, gyms, friends. 'I swim in the sea most days. It's so good for you. The sea is full of minerals and magnesium, which your skin absorbs.' 'The Salt Path' on wheels Her clothes are all kept in three IKEA baskets under her bed. 'There's one with trousers, jeans, leggings and jumpers; one with knickers, socks, T-shirts and long-sleeved tops; and one with skirts, dresses and what I class as my fancy clothes. Those are the things with sequins that I never get to wear, but I keep them because I have had them years. 'Even now when I am shopping in a charity shop, I never get anything new. I stand there and think: 'Will I still be wearing this in five years' time?' And if I don't think I will, I won't get it.' Bradman's story is captured in her book The Happy Nomad, which has been described as Raynor Winn's The Salt Path on wheels. 'I like that analogy,' smiles Bradman. 'I met Raynor at the Bude Literary Festival. It's a wonderful book.' Bradman is currently working for the company Saunas By The Sea, mainly around Harlyn Bay, near Padstow. When we talk, she is parked at Fistral Beach, outside Newquay, and the birds are singing in the background. 'After meeting all these wonderful people at the sauna and on the beach, I go for a hike on the coast path and nearly every day I'm overwhelmed with where I am in my life, to have access to all this beauty. I have the sea about 100 yards from the van and all the pink sea thrift flowers covering the rocks. Yesterday I went for a swim, the sea was warm, beautiful and clear. I kept thinking, 'Oh my god, this is my life', but it can be anyone's, that's the thing.' Has anyone been rude about her unconventional lifestyle? 'No one ever does it to my face. I'm working and I'm still spending in the local economy, in the independent shops. I'm contributing.' Happy on her own And does she ever get lonely? 'No. When I was younger, I couldn't bear being on my own because that meant confronting a lot of difficult thoughts and feelings that were quite traumatising. But now I've had therapy, and because of the lifestyle I lead, I don't have the same, if any, level of stress at all. I don't have financial stress. I'm really happy on my own.' At night, she parks in public spaces. 'Maybe twice I have felt a little bit uncomfortable. It's always when I have been parked in lay-bys or away from built-up areas. I usually park in a built-up area for safety, so you are never far away from another human being. I really like industrial estates because there are things going on 24 hours a day.' Her van has a full solar panel system which powers her lithium battery. And when she drives, a split charge relay powers up the battery too. 'It's really efficient for my laptop, phone and lights,' says Bradman. 'I don't have a television – even when I lived conventionally, I didn't have one in a visible space.' What about trips to the loo? 'I've got a little compact composting toilet by Boxio. It's brilliant for disposing of your waste in a way that is environmentally friendly. It's just under the bed and has got two compartments. There's a compostable bag for solids, and I use sawdust as it's really hygienic and there are no bad smells. If I'm out and about I make use of public toilets, or supermarkets and cafés. 'I've learnt where I can park next to toilets. It's usually in little villages, more out of the way of touristy areas. In places like Newquay, St Ives and Falmouth, you have to pay for a lot of the facilities, some places it's 50p, and the public toilets in Looe are card only. It's a bit of a bone of contention for me that public toilets aren't free.' Fresh water and laundry facilities Bradman also knows the best places to fill up her water bottles. She reckons she uses up to four litres a day. 'I fill up where I can – as I'm based on the coast, harbours are really good as there are always fresh drinking water taps. And, it's a bit macabre, but graveyards have them too.' Bradman's enthusiasm about her peripatetic lifestyle even stretches to the launderette, which she visits every fortnight with her bedding, towels and clothes. 'The launderette is like a mini meditation retreat. All you can do is sit there and watch your clothes go around! 'I don't think I would ever go back to living in a house. But if you are ill, it can be difficult. Recently, I had an operation and I went to a campsite in Keighley while I recovered. My mum, who lives in Keighley, had to come and empty my portaloo. I was there for a few months and there were wild deer roaming around. Being surrounded by nature helped with my healing.' It's clear she relishes the freedom life in a van brings her. Her evenings are spent swimming in the sea, doing yoga or hiking. Bradman, who is currently not in a relationship, will sometimes park the van in a lay-by and walk into town to meet people or go for a coffee. 'I don't really drink – a plant-based chocolate milkshake is my addiction at the moment.' Bradman's outgoings are very low. She has no council tax or mortgage, but does pay for road tax, insurance, fuel and MOTs. What's the main lesson she has learnt? 'That material things weigh you down. It's a burden... and when you start getting rid of these things, you are not just freeing up space physically, you are freeing up space mentally, as well.' 'I remember being close to breakdowns so many times in my life because I didn't know how I was going to pay the bills,' she says. 'I didn't have a penny to rub together. Now I need to make a fraction of that, not just to survive but to really thrive. 'Anyone can lighten the burden of financial stress just by being happier with less, by recognising that things are not going to make you happy. I realised how little you need.' Charlotte Bradman's tips for a simpler life 'Think about what you really need. Ask: 'Is it useful, will I use it?' My rule of thumb is if you haven't used something or worn something in two years, then get rid. 'Similarly with books – I have two in the van. One that I'm reading, one to come after. Once I've read that one, it goes to a charity shop and I buy the next book. 'When it comes to food, buy what you need. We over-consume. Have a store cupboard of basics. When you have got a small space, and you don't have a lot of storage, you are more aware of the resources that you are using. 'That goes for water, too. I don't have a tap that I can leave running. I only fill the kettle up for one cup of tea. 'You don't need to own a lot of paintings or art to appreciate it. I can go into a gallery, exhibition or even a local craft shop to inspire me. 'Get out, go for a walk and live in the moment. Own the moment, not the thing.'
