A recent online discussion has highlighted a subtle sign that a relationship might be heading toward its end: feeling dread or disappointment when your partner arrives home. Reddit users shared their experiences of the 'first tiny sign that a relationship was ending, even though everything still seemed normal.'
One person admitted to being 'upset to see their car when you get home,' while another described 'feeling a sense of “on no” when you hear your SO's car pull up in the driveway.' Another added, 'Or, coming home and sitting in the car, savouring those last moments of alone time while bracing for whatever attitude awaits you inside the house.'
Delaying the Return Home
Some people go to greater lengths to postpone their arrival. One individual confessed to getting off the bus a few stops early, 'I realised my relationship was doomed when I'd do this and spend up to an hour walking, just so I could mentally prepare myself for getting home.'
Even for those without cars, the sentiment applies—seeing a light glowing from the street or the gate ajar can trigger a deflated feeling.
Expert Insight
Sex and relationship expert Annabelle Knight explains that this reaction usually signals something isn't 'quite right,' but it doesn't always spell the end. She tells Metro: 'The reaction to this specific scenario is likely to do with wanting to spend some time alone at home – particularly after a hard day at work, for example. If you are anticipating or planning to spend time on your own, and this is unexpectedly taken away from you, this can be frustrating.'
Knight adds, 'That's not to say that wanting to spend time alone is a sign your relationship is failing, but in a healthy partnership, this should be something that you are able to communicate to your partner, rather than becoming upset or frustrated when this is thwarted.'
When It's Time to Act
Knight, from Lovehoney, advises that this response doesn't always suggest the relationship is terminal, but it does warrant a conversation or self-reflection. 'If it's because you're frustrated that you can't spend some time alone, then you need to communicate this before resentment builds up and it does end up in a breakdown of the relationship,' she says.
If your reaction is closer to panic than annoyance, Knight suggests it's almost certainly time to consider whether you'd be happier after a breakup.
