Love is often thought to be grand gestures, fireworks, and unending passion. However, the truth is, love can be subtle, quiet, and deeply rooted in emotional connection. Over time, you might start noticing things about your relationship that make you question whether you’re truly in love or just going through the motions. If you find yourself asking, “Do I still love him/her?” or wondering, “Am I really happy in my relationship?” We’ve brought you some signs you’re not really in love to help you get the answer. To understand these clues better, we talked to a California-based psychiatrist and cognitive behavior therapist, Dr. Shefali Batra (MD in psychiatry), who specializes in counseling for separation and divorce, breakup and dating, and premarital compatibility issues.

21 Signs You’re Not Really In Love With Your Partner

Love can sometimes be a tricky thing to define, and over time, feelings may change, sometimes without us even realizing it. What starts as passion or deep emotional connection can shift into complacency or emotional distance. Recognizing these subtle shifts is crucial to understanding where you stand in your relationship. It’s easy to overlook small signs that indicate something may be off, especially when you’re caught up in the routine of daily life. But if you’re starting to feel disconnected or unsure about your partner, it might be time to reflect on the underlying reasons. Below are 21 signs that could help you recognize whether you’re truly in love, or if your emotions have evolved into something else entirely.

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1. You feel relieved when they’re away

Yes, time apart in a relationship should feel refreshing, but it should not be like a burden lifted. If, when your partner is away, you feel a sense of relief or freedom rather than missing them, this could signal emotional detachment. Dr. Batra shares, “It’s one thing to need personal space, but if their absence makes you feel lighter or unburdened, it’s a sign that something may be off in your emotional connection.” Sharing one of the signs you’re not really in love, this Reddit user says, “You start to look forward to them not being around so you can do what you want.”

2. Conversations feel forced or surface-level

Communication is the backbone of any meaningful relationship. If you find that conversations are forced or feel like a chore, rather than engaging in deep, meaningful discussions, it may suggest a loss of intimacy. Important conversations should naturally flow, but if everything feels surface-level or robotic, it could be a sign of emotional distance. Some signs your conversations lack depth are:

• You no longer share personal details or thoughts
• You avoid discussing emotions or important matters
• Small talk feels like an obligation rather than natural interaction

As this Reddit user shared when asked about the signs you’re not really in love, “Loss of desire to share and communicate. No longer sharing small things, unwilling to talk about inner emotions, unwilling to discuss the right or wrong of things.”

3. You feel emotionally drained in their presence

Instead of feeling recharged and happy after spending time together, you often feel drained. Love should provide a sense of emotional support and companionship, not leave you feeling exhausted or emotionally depleted. Some signs of emotional exhaustion in a relationship are:

• You feel mentally and physically tired after spending time with them.
• Conversations and interactions feel exhausting instead of fulfilling.
• You feel like you need time to recover after seeing them.

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4. You fantasize about a different life—often

Fantasizing about being single or imagining life with someone else occasionally is normal. However, if you frequently find yourself thinking about a life without your partner, it may signal that you’re no longer in love. Constantly escaping into a different reality often indicates dissatisfaction and emotional detachment from the person you’re with. Some examples of fantasy-driven detachment include:

• Envisioning how your life would be without your partner
• Daydreaming about being with someone else or your “ideal” partner
• Feeling relief at the thought of breaking up rather than sadness

5. Physical affection feels obligatory

Physical touch is one of the most significant ways to feel connected in a relationship. Dr. Batra shares, “When affection feels like something you “should” do rather than something you genuinely desire, it shows emotional distance.” So, it might be sign of fading love If physical intimacy like kissing, cuddling, or even holding hands feels like a chore rather than a loving expression.

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6. You’re more excited about other people’s

You may start realizing “I am not happy in this relationship,” when you frequently admire or even envy other couples. If you find yourself more excited about the romantic lives of others or wish you had what they have, it could indicate dissatisfaction. True love should make you feel fulfilled, and if you’re more interested in other people’s love lives, it’s time to reflect on your own.

7. You avoid talking about the future together

Planning a future together is a natural part of a loving relationship. If you avoid discussing long-term plans, or if the idea of a shared future makes you uneasy, it’s a major sign that your heart isn’t in it. Love usually prompts us to imagine a life together, but when that future feels more like an obligation than an exciting possibility, it’s worth considering the state of your emotions. Some things you might avoid discussing are:

• Marriage or long-term commitment
• Living together or major life changes
• Shared financial or career goals

8. You prioritize everything else over them

In a relationship filled with love, your partner is an essential part of your priorities. If work, friends, or hobbies are always placed above them, it might suggest a lack of emotional investment. While it’s important to have personal interests, neglecting your partner consistently can indicate that the relationship is no longer your priority.

9. You don’t feel safe being vulnerable

Love fosters an environment of trust and openness. If you feel reluctant to share your thoughts, feelings, or insecurities with your partner, that could be a sign of emotional detachment. Vulnerability allows for deeper intimacy, and if you’re afraid to open up, it could indicate that your emotional connection is not as strong as it once was.

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10. You don’t defend them or the relationship

In a loving relationship, there’s a sense of loyalty that compels you to stand up for your partner and the relationship. If you find yourself indifferent when others criticize them or your relationship, it might mean your emotional investment is dwindling. Love makes us want to protect and nurture our bond, but indifference could signal that your connection has weakened.

Sarah, a 32-year-old professor, shared with us, “Previously, whenever my friends made fun of Jake’s quirks, I felt an urge to defend him and his image. But lately, I just shrug or even secretly agree with them sometimes. Is this what it feels like to fall out of love?”

11. You feel more like friends than lovers

A strong friendship is a crucial foundation in any romantic relationship, but if you feel more like friends than lovers, there may be a deeper issue. Love involves both emotional and physical intimacy. If the romantic spark is gone and your connection feels platonic, it might be one of the signs you were never in love and if you were, the feeling no longer exists.

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12. You keep your true self hidden

In a loving relationship, you should feel free to express your authentic self. If you find yourself constantly holding back or filtering your thoughts, feelings, or actions around your partner, it may indicate that you don’t feel comfortable being vulnerable with them. When love is strong, you feel safe and accepted for who you truly are.

13. You’re more critical than compassionate

Constructive criticism is a part of any relationship, but if you find yourself being excessively critical or annoyed more than appreciative, it could be a sign that you’re no longer emotionally connected. Dr. Batra shares, “Love involves understanding and compassion, but constant irritation can indicate that you’re focusing more on flaws than on the positive qualities of your partner.”

14. You don’t feel a sense of teamwork

Love creates a partnership where both individuals support and work together as a team. If you feel like you’re navigating life on your own, despite being in a relationship, there may be an emotional disconnect. Love fosters mutual support, so, when you fall out of love, you may start feeling like you’re not in this together.

15. Their happiness feels like a burden

In love, you naturally care about your partner’s happiness and well-being. If you feel burdened by their needs or emotional state, it might be a sign that you’re not in love. When you love someone, their joy brings you joy, but if their happiness feels like a responsibility rather than a shared goal, it suggests that emotional attachment has faded.

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16. Their success doesn’t genuinely excite you

In love, your partner’s successes should feel like shared victories. If you’re indifferent or even resentful of their achievements, this could indicate a lack of emotional investment. Love should inspire you to cheer for their accomplishments, but if you feel nothing or disappointment, it suggests that your emotional bond is weakening.

17. There’s no desire to grow together

Love encourages personal growth as well as growth within the relationship. If you don’t feel motivated to evolve together as a couple, it could indicate that the emotional connection is lacking. Growth is a natural byproduct of love, and without it, the relationship might stagnate, making you question whether you’re still truly in love.

18. You feel a persistent emotional distance

When you’re in love, emotional closeness should come naturally. If you sense an invisible wall between you and your partner that never seems to come down, even during intimate moments, it may be a sign of emotional disconnection. This persistent distance can make you feel isolated, despite being physically close, and is a clear indicator of emotional detachment.

19. You avoid difficult conversations

Love doesn’t mean avoiding conflict, but it does involve working through it together. If you find yourself avoiding difficult topics or sweeping issues under the rug rather than resolving them, it could suggest that you’re no longer committed to the relationship. Difficult conversations are essential for growth, and avoiding them might mean you’re falling out of love.

20. You stay because of guilt, comfort, or fear

If you’re staying in the relationship out of guilt, fear of being alone, or because it’s simply comfortable, it’s not a sign of love. Dr. Batra shares, “Love should be the driving force, not obligation. If the only thing keeping you in the relationship is fear or comfort, it could be a sign that you’re not truly in love, but rather staying because of external factors.”

Mike shared with us, “After our five years together, I found myself constantly questioning my relationship with Tara. There was no excitement or deep connection and I realized I am not happy in my relationship, but the thought of starting over seemed daunting. So, I stayed another year — out of habit, rather than love — before finally breaking up. It’s like I was in love with the idea of love but not in love with her anymore. I regret wasting her time and mine too.”

21. Your gut tells you something’s off

Deep down, we often know when something isn’t right. If you find yourself constantly questioning your feelings or sensing that something is missing, trust that inner voice. It’s telling you that your emotional connection with your partner may have changed. If you’re questioning, “Do I still love him?” It’s worth taking the time to explore why your feelings have shifted.

Can A Loveless Relationship Survive?

Technically, yes—but at what cost? A relationship without love can continue on the surface, especially if you share responsibilities, history, or mutual respect. However, surviving doesn’t equal thriving. Here’s what Dr. Batra says. “Over time, the lack of genuine love can lead to feelings of resentment, loneliness, and emotional numbness. When love is missing, the relationship may become more of a burden than a source of happiness. Surviving a relationship without love means you’re simply existing together, not truly living together.” Love should make you feel connected, valued, and inspired to keep growing with your partner. If love isn’t present, you must ask yourself: Are you staying because you want to, or because you’re afraid to fall out of love? 

This Reddit user shares a similar experience, describing the feeling where you know something is wrong but can’t figure out what.

What To Do When You’re Not In Love With Your Partner

Realizing that you’re not in love with your partner can feel overwhelming. Before addressing your partner, the first step is being honest with yourself. Accepting your feelings without judgment is the key to clarity. If you’re questioning whether you still love your partner, it’s time for open and honest communication. You need to express your emotions with compassion and discuss where things have gone wrong. Seeking professional help, such as couples therapy, can offer a space to work through your feelings and whether the relationship is salvageable.

1. Acknowledge your feelings

The first step toward healing or clarity is being honest with yourself. Often, we avoid confronting difficult emotions, but denying your true feelings will only prolong the issue. If you’re saying, “I’m not happy in my relationship,” it’s crucial to explore why. Is it:

• A lack of communication
• Emotional distance
• Or unmet needs? 

Dr. Batra advises, “Take the time to dig deep and understand the root cause of your unhappiness. Journaling or talking to a trusted friend can help bring clarity. Understanding your emotions helps you make informed decisions about your relationship and your personal happiness.” Remember, acknowledging your feelings is not a weakness—it’s a vital part of self-care.

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2. Communicate honestly

Once you’ve acknowledged your feelings, it’s time to share them with your partner. Honest communication, though difficult, is essential for moving forward. Your partner deserves to know where you stand, even if the conversation might be uncomfortable. It’s important to express your feelings without blaming them but to speak about your own experiences and feelings. This honesty creates an opportunity for both of you to reflect on the relationship. While these conversations can be challenging, they open the door to understanding and can help clarify whether the relationship can be salvaged. Honest communication lays the groundwork for either repair or closure.

3. Seek professional help

If you find that the emotional issues in your relationship feel too complex or overwhelming to resolve on your own, seeking professional help might be the right choice. Dr. Batra shares, “A counselor or therapist can offer a neutral space to explore your feelings without judgment. They can guide you and your partner through difficult conversations, helping both of you understand each other’s perspectives.” 

Therapists, like Bonobology’s panel of experts,  can also provide tools and strategies to improve communication, emotional connection, and problem-solving. Whether you’re looking to repair the relationship or determine if it’s time to let go, a professional can give you the guidance you need to make informed decisions.

4. Consider your future

Take some time to reflect on what you truly want from the relationship and your life moving forward. Ask yourself questions like, 

• “Do I still love him/her?” 
• “Am I truly fulfilled here?” 
• Do I see him in the future I envision?

Taking a moment to consider your own goals and desires will help you understand if staying in the relationship aligns with your personal fulfillment or if it’s time to prioritize your own well-being.

5. Take action

Once you’ve reflected and communicated, it’s time to take action. If you feel that the relationship is worth fighting for, it’s important to put in the effort. However, if after thoughtful consideration and communication, you realize the relationship isn’t meeting your needs and efforts to revive it haven’t worked, it might be time to part ways. Ending a relationship is never easy, but doing so with mutual respect allows both partners the chance to heal and move on, ensuring both of you can seek the happiness and fulfillment you deserve.

Final Thoughts

Love is more than just a feeling; it’s an ongoing process that involves trust, respect, and mutual effort. If you’re noticing signs you’re not really in love or questioning whether you’ve fallen out of love, don’t ignore these feelings. Instead, take the time to reflect, communicate, and seek help if necessary. A fulfilling relationship should bring joy, not just comfort. Trust yourself to make the right decision, whether it’s reigniting the relationship or moving on.

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