Communication is the foundation of any healthy relationship. It allows you and your partner to express your needs, share your feelings, and forge a strong connection. However, there are times when you feel like communication between you hits a roadblock.

When communication comes to a standstill in a relationship, it’s usually a sign of deeper issues that need attention. Here are several telltale symptoms of stalled communication in a partnership.

You frequently misunderstand each other.

One of the clear signs that communication has broken down in a relationship is that you keep misunderstanding one another. Is your partner consistently buying you the wrong gifts? Can you never seem to see their point of view in an argument?

If you find yourselves constantly misinterpreting each other's words or intentions, it indicates a breakdown in effective communication. Misunderstandings between you will lead to frustration, resentment, and a lack of trust. To address this, work on actively listening to each other. Ask questions when they talk to you to clarify any doubts. Try to put yourself in their shoes and make a point of being empathetic.

You avoid talking and prefer silence.

If you’ve been avoiding conversations or deliberately staying silent, it’s a strong indicator of a communication breakdown. Silent treatments, avoiding discussions, or changing the subject create an emotional distance between you and your partner. This behavior might be caused by a fear of conflict, resentment, or a belief that your concerns won’t be heard.

To open yourselves up, it’s important to create a safe space where both partners feel comfortable expressing themselves. Show appreciation to one another. Use body language and physical touch when you feel like you can’t be verbal. For example, try talking to one another while laying down or sitting close.

You argue over and over

Arguments and disagreements are a normal part of any relationship. However, if you find yourselves stuck in a cycle of recurring arguments without reaching a resolution, it’s a sign that communication has stalled. Ongoing conflicts create resentment and erode your relationship’s foundation of trust and understanding.

To break this pattern, rethink how you argue. Approach conflicts with problem-solving in mind. Use I-statements and talk about your own feelings to avoid accusing or blaming your partner. Let some conflicts go by the wayside. Holding grudges about past disagreements doesn’t help the relationship and only serves to widen the gap between you.

You don’t support one another.

When communication stalls, you and your partner might struggle to provide emotional support, validate each other’s feelings, or offer encouragement during hard times. This lack of support can leave you both feeling isolated and unheard.

Rebuilding supportive communication involves creating a safe space for sharing vulnerabilities and making a conscious effort to encourage each other. Take time each day to tell your partner what you’re grateful for. Show them you’re proud of their accomplishments and be there for them when they struggle.

You don’t spend time together.

In the beginning of your relationship, you probably felt like spending time together was easy. Whether you were out to a nice dinner or lounging around at home, it felt like quality time. If your communication has been stalling, it’s likely you also haven’t been fully present while spending time with your partner.

Just going through the day-to-day motions talking about bills, work, and social obligations isn’t enough to spark true communication. Instead, try something new together to share a novel experience.

Bridge the gap in therapy.

If you’ve been struggling with a lack of communication, therapy can help. With a therapist you’ll learn better ways of communicating and forging new, deeper connections.

To learn more about how marriage counseling can help bring you and your partner closer together, please reach out to us.