A relationship expert has outlined three key signs to watch for if you suspect your romance is heading towards an end. A breakup coach has identified these as crucial indicators that your relationship might be “on the brink of disaster.”

There are times when we reflect on our relationship, assess how we’ve been treated, and wonder if there’s anything left for us. Yet, many choose to stay in these stagnant relationships simply because of familiarity, if nothing else.

Relationship expert Paige Moyce recently shared with her nearly 400,000 followers on TikTok the telltale signs that indicate a relationship is coming to a close.

Moyce, a British expert, has helped former partners heal from breakup trauma by blending neuroscience and holistic psychology. Through this, she has honed an understanding of the signs that show when a relationship is doomed.

1. Anxious Communication

Moyce’s first warning sign is when communication in the relationship is focused solely on avoiding conflict. She explained, "If your conversations are designed to prevent arguments, silent treatment, blow-ups, or big reactions, this is a recipe for disaster."

She elaborated, saying that if you find yourself walking on eggshells, feeling anxious about how your words will be received, it’s a clear indicator that the relationship is unhealthy. "What often happens is we bury our feelings, ignore our needs, and silence ourselves because we’re scared of our partner’s reaction," Moyce said. "How long can you keep this up? It’s like holding onto barbed wire and bleeding."

If you’re constantly editing yourself just to keep the peace, the relationship is on a path towards disaster.

2. Would You Leave If You Could?

Moyce encourages her clients to think about whether they would leave their partner if there were no consequences. "If you could leave without worrying about anything or anyone and be happy outside the relationship, would you do it?" she asked.

If your answer is yes, then it's likely that you're already emotionally exhausted. "You’re probably the person who has tried to fix things time and time again, but nothing changes. Everyone has a tipping point, and once you reach it, it's very difficult to come back when you’re expected to ignore the issues you’ve been dealing with."

3. The Death of Intimacy

Moyce’s third sign points to the lack of warmth in the relationship. "This could refer to physical intimacy, emotional connection, trust, or vulnerability," she explained. "If the bond feels strained, no matter how hard you try to revive it, and your partner isn’t meeting you halfway, it’s a sign the relationship may be over."

A relationship without intimacy, teamwork, or togetherness is unsustainable, she said. It takes both partners to reignite the spark, and without mutual effort, the relationship may be heading to its end.

The Rise of Ghostlighting

Dating has evolved significantly with the rise of online platforms, introducing new challenges like catfishing—where individuals deceive others with fake profiles. But now, a more toxic trend is on the rise called "ghostlighting."

Psychologist Fatima Alam defines ghostlighting as the combination of ghosting and gaslighting. Ghosting happens when someone abruptly cuts off communication, leaving you in uncertainty about what went wrong. Gaslighting, on the other hand, is when someone manipulates your perception of events, denying their actions or your feelings.

Ghostlighting, Alam says, occurs when someone disappears from your life (ghosting) and returns acting like nothing happened, often making you doubt your memory of the pain caused. This can lead to confusion, self-doubt, and manipulation, making the victim feel invalidated.

Common signs of ghostlighting include confusion, being blamed for overreacting, and emotional manipulation. If you're caught in this cycle, Alam suggests practicing self-care, talking to trusted friends, or seeking therapy to help navigate the emotional harm this pattern causes.

Five Body Signals Your Relationship May Be Wrong

Hormone health expert Mike Kocsis identifies five internal signs that your body might give you when you're in an unhealthy relationship.

1. Constantly Seeking Approval

Kocsis explains that dopamine, the pleasure hormone, plays a role in the early stages of a relationship, creating the initial rush of attraction. However, when this need for validation turns into an addiction, it becomes unhealthy. "In toxic relationships, dopamine no longer offers consistent pleasure—it becomes part of a cycle of craving attention and affection," he said.

Signs of this addiction include always seeking your partner's approval, longing for their attention despite instability, and frequently reflecting on the early, "better" days of the relationship.

2. Depression and Low Serotonin

Serotonin regulates mood, sleep, and emotional balance. In a toxic relationship, serotonin levels drop, leading to symptoms of depression, irritability, and emotional instability. If you’re feeling out of balance, disinterested in hobbies you once enjoyed, or experiencing constant fatigue, it could be a sign that your relationship is affecting your mental health.

3. Diminished Desire for Intimacy

Oestrogen and testosterone regulate sexual attraction and self-confidence. "If sex feels like an obligation rather than an enjoyable experience, or if you’re no longer attracted to your partner, it may be your hormones signaling that something is wrong," Kocsis noted.

A key sign to watch for is if you’re fantasizing about other people or if intimacy feels like a chore, signaling a disconnection in the relationship.

4. Constant Stress

Cortisol is the body's stress hormone, and it spikes during emotional or physical stress. In a relationship that feels unsafe or demanding, cortisol levels remain high, keeping you in a constant state of fight-or-flight. Kocsis suggests looking for signs like exhaustion despite adequate sleep, anxiety when your partner comes home, or mood swings as indicators that stress is taking a toll on your body.

5. Lack of Connection and Low Oxytocin

Oxytocin, the "love hormone," is released during moments of bonding and trust. Kocsis explains that when you no longer feel valued in the relationship, or when you’d rather be alone than share experiences with your partner, it’s a sign that oxytocin levels are low. "If a relationship becomes strained or emotionally distant, oxytocin levels decrease, signaling that something may be wrong," he concluded.

Paying attention to these signs and listening to your body is essential in understanding whether you are in the right relationship for your mental, emotional, and physical well-being.