Relationships are not always rosy; every couple goes through their ups and downs. However, certain behaviors and characteristics are common in unhappy couples.
These couples often repeat specific actions in public, which may not directly reveal their inner struggles but can indicate underlying unhappiness.
It’s not easy to spot unhappiness in a relationship just by observing a couple. These signs may or may not be 100% accurate; they’re more like a warning that something’s wrong in the relationship. Keep in mind, though, that the way a couple behaves in public can say a lot about their relationship.
Here are five behaviors that unhappy couples often display in public, listed in no particular order:
Couples Who Are Unhappy Always Do These 5 Things In Public
1. Lack of Physical Affection
We all know that happy couples are often more affectionate in public. Even those who don’t typically display affection in public still show subtle signs of it. Not all couples hold hands or hug each other in public, but happy couples, even if they don’t show much affection publicly, at least express it when they are at home.
Unhappy couples, however, often walk down the street with noticeable distance between them. They may feel awkward if they are expected to hold hands and won’t make eye contact. One of the major issues in an unhappy relationship is that the partners have stopped being affectionate with each other.
Affection strengthens relationships, so a lack of it is a sign of trouble. While happy couples don’t need to go out of their way to show affection, unhappy couples try too hard to avoid even the smallest signs, like holding hands or a gentle touch on the arm.
One of the most obvious things unhappy couples do in public is stop making even the smallest gestures, signaling that they lack the basic common ground to care for each other or express warmth.
Related: 9 Lies People Tell When They’re Unhappy In Marriage
2. Open Criticism
Couples who are unhappy often make their discontent known in social settings. This may manifest as nasty comments, sarcastic remarks, or open arguments. Unhappy couples tend to criticize each other publicly, often in a repetitive and overt manner.
While it’s not unusual for two people who love each other to have disagreements in a social setting, unhappy couples go further by making each other feel bad in public. They criticize each other openly, which can be hurtful and unconstructive.
The problem with constant criticism is that it’s damaging to the relationship. In unhappy relationships, much of the communication revolves around criticism or passive-aggressive remarks that never lead to resolutions. Healthy relationships, on the other hand, are built on open and direct communication. When that’s missing, it’s clear the relationship is in trouble.
Related: 15 Things Unhappy Wives Google At 2am
3. Avoidance of Eye Contact and Engagement with Others
Eye contact is crucial in relationships as it’s a common nonverbal form of communication. Happy couples use it to show affection, communicate understanding, or simply maintain an emotional connection.
Unhappy couples often avoid eye contact because they don’t feel the need to connect emotionally with their partner. When they do make eye contact, they may quickly look away or start focusing on their phones. In public, unhappy couples tend to engage more with the people around them.
When a relationship isn’t providing emotional support, one or both partners may turn to others for comfort. They begin engaging with friends or strangers, distracting themselves from their issues. In extreme cases, one partner may ignore the other, avoiding interaction and detaching emotionally.
Related: 8 Signs Your Wife Is Unhappy
4. Silent Treatment or Withdrawal
Silence often speaks volumes, especially for unhappy couples in public. Instead of engaging in conversation or simply enjoying each other’s company, these couples may withdraw emotionally, giving one-word answers or remaining completely silent.
Unhappy couples often resort to the silent treatment or emotional withdrawal when faced with problems they don’t know how to solve or don’t feel safe discussing. In such relationships, neither partner is willing to work through the issue or even acknowledge it.
The silent treatment and emotional withdrawal are significant red flags. In a healthy relationship, partners engage in some form of conversation and work through problems, even if it means admitting fault. When silence takes over, it’s a clear indication of a deeper problem.
Related: 7 Signs a Woman is Unhappy in Her Marriage
5. Overcompensation with ‘Too Happy’ Attitude
Happy couples typically show affection in public, though they don’t always go overboard. It’s not uncommon for happy couples to walk down the street with a little space between them. However, unhappy couples may go to great lengths to avoid any small signs of affection, such as holding hands or a gentle touch on the arm.
On the other hand, some unhappy couples will overcompensate for their issues by acting overly affectionate in public. They may hold hands tightly, kiss each other passionately, or make loud, overly joyful gestures. This behavior often appears forced and awkward, as the couple tries too hard to convince themselves—and others—that they are happy.
This kind of overcompensation can raise doubts among observers: Are they trying too hard to appear happy? Are they truly content? While all couples may act awkwardly at times, the difference lies in the intention behind the behavior. Unhappy couples, in particular, tend to overcompensate for their unresolved issues.
Related: Wives Who Do These 9 Things At Night Have Happier Husbands
Conclusion
No relationship is perfect. Even the happiest couples may occasionally display some of these behaviors, and that’s completely normal.
However, when these behaviors become repetitive, it’s a sign that a relationship may be struggling. Relationships require effort, open communication, respect, and mutual understanding. Without these elements, unhappiness can seep in.
If you recognize any of these behaviors in your own relationship, it may be time to have an honest conversation with your partner to address the issues together.
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