What to Do If You’re Feeling Trapped in Your Relationship
Relationships can be difficult for everyone. Sometimes, your relationship may start out great, and you feel like this person would never do anything to hurt you and only wants to make you happy. But then, as the relationship goes on, it can go a little stale or sour, and you may begin to feel unhappy.
However, even when we do feel unhappy in relationships, we don’t always leave them straight away. We may hope for change, or have invested so much time in the relationship, that it can be hard to let go of.
This can make you feel trapped, or stuck in the relationship. So, why does this happen, and what can we do if we feel this way?
Reasons for Feeling Trapped in a Relationship
You may feel trapped for a number of reasons. Many relationships start out great, but as time passes, you may no longer appreciate each other, or take the time to communicate with one another about how you feel. It becomes monotonous, and you can get stuck in a rut.
You may feel that your partner now takes you for granted, or doesn’t put as much effort into the relationship. You may no longer have date nights, or be as intimate as you once were. This could be for a variety of reasons—you could have children now, or your responsibilities get in the way. Your financial situation could also put strain on the relationship, and you could be stuck in a routine that is hard to break free from.
Another reason you could feel trapped is if you don’t get enough personal space in your relationship. This doesn’t mean you don’t want to be around your partner, it just means that you are deprived of ‘me-time’, and this can feel suffocating.
The majority of the time, it may not be you or your partner that is the problem. It could be external factors, or that you are missing out on simple pleasures such as dating or romance.
Signs You Are Feeling Stuck
- You feel obligated to your partner
- You feel lonely when you are with them
- You fantasize about potential partners
- You are stressed constantly
- You are in a state of constant unhappiness
- You feel controlled by your partner
- You don’t want to spend time with them anymore
What to Do
Self Reflection
A lot of the time, it may not be the relationship itself that is the issue. It could be that you’re unhappy with yourself, your career, where your future is healing, and this is making you feel stuck in a rut.
Think about what is going on around you. Are there external pressures that could be the cause of your relationship problems? We often feel trapped when things have become stagnant, but a new relationship is not always the answer .
Consider the Relationship
Think about what is causing your unhappiness and evaluate if the relationship is worth staying for. You may feel obligated towards your partner, or unsure what will happen if you leave. You have to figure out if it is worth working on, or if you would be happier without it.
Communicate
Your partner may be feeling the same way, so it is important that you communicate with them and talk about how you feel. Have an open, honest conversation about what you need in order to be happy, and listen when your partner tells you what they desire, and you can come to a balance, where you both feel connected and comfortable.
Speak to a Counselor
Finally, if you feel you have exhausted all of your efforts, then it is a good idea to speak to a counselor. A therapist or counselor can provide you with their opinion and offer guidance and solutions to help you.
