It's not all sunshine in a relationship. It's normal for there to be violent storms from time to time. But there are alarm signals that show that a relationship is at an end. Stormy times don't come out of the blue. There are always clear warning signs. If you pay attention, you can take precautions to avoid serious relationship problems.

Is my relationship at the end? You make important decisions alone

Fish or meat? You can decide what to have for dinner on your own. However, if one partner makes important decisions alone without consultation, this is a bad sign and a possible indication that the relationship is broken. What is done, how and when should always be agreed. If not, the unifying sense of togetherness disappears and the relationship status is suddenly no longer quite so clear - explosive material for any marriage.

Relationship status unclear: you are no longer 100 percent behind him

You don't have to think everything your partner does is great. But in a good relationship, you don't leave the other person out in the rain, you protect them from attacks - that's called loyalty. That doesn't mean you can't give them a good talking to in private if you have to. But if you are fundamentally against everything your partner does, you should really ask yourself whether the relationship is at an end.

Relationship at the end: he can no longer please you

There are 1,000 things he doesn't do right. You, on the other hand, are as infallible as the Pope, of course! Let's be honest, you too are bound to have faults that your partner is allergic to. Accept him for who he is. If he does the same, then love will work out again. If not, perhaps you should think about whether your relationship is too broken to save.

Lack of mutual respect: is my relationship broken?

Well, his table manners can be embarrassing. And you can see that he prefers to watch soccer instead of playing himself. But making him look bad or ridiculous in front of others is not an option. Behavior like that hurts and leaves scars. Only you can judge whether your relationship can be saved, but mutual respect is the be-all and end-all of a functioning partnership.

Bad habits are getting out of hand: can I save my relationship?

At some point in every relationship, there comes a point where you no longer spend hours getting dressed up for each other. But that doesn't mean you can let yourself go uninhibited. If you do it anyway, you quickly lose the other person's respect and it becomes increasingly difficult to save the relationship.

What about my relationship? Humor is in short supply

Humor is when you laugh anyway! For example, about the pitfalls of a relationship. If you can no longer laugh about it, then your happiness together is in a bad way.

Relationship at an end? More frustration than pleasure

Even the best marriages experience a little lull in bed. Sex is not the most important factor in a relationship. But when the desire for closeness and tenderness disappears, it's time to do something to save the relationship.

Don't: You constantly compare your partner with others

He looks better. He can listen better. He does more sport. Sure, you can look around the market for new offers. But if you flirt with others, you show your partner that you are no longer their first choice. Then he'll start looking around ...

If he doesn't play ball, he'll be emotionally blackmailed

If he's not good, will you make his life hell? That can't go well! If you keep the other person on a tight rein like that, you're not tying him to you, you're chasing him away.

Loneliness vs. togetherness

New friends and new hobbies can revitalize a relationship. But not if the other person falls by the wayside. If you don't do anything together, you'll soon be alone again.

How toparton good terms when the relationship is at an end

• Maintain style
• You should end a relationship without hurting the other person further: in other words, without apportioning blame, settling scores or gloating. That much decency is a must.
• Be diplomatic
• The best way to break up is to be brief and honest. Avoid long discussions and explanations. It's too late for that.
• Keep your distance
• Once the end is sealed, both partners should keep their distance. Experts recommend an absolute ban on contact. This ensures calm and also signals finality. Anything else fuels false hopes and only deepens the pain.
• Stay decent. Especially when dealing with mutual friends. Don't give anyone the choice: me or him! Now you both need people you trust to talk to. Treat yourself to them.
• Cherish your memories: Remember the good times. Even if it failed in the end, this love is part of your life. And if you don't just remember the bad things, you'll be much happier with yourself.

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