Most of us believe that loneliness in a relationship is not acceptable in a healthy relationship. We generally believe that a cozy couple who are within a stable relationship never feels lonely. Because a happy couple spends most of their time together and shares their feelings. Even when they are not together, they feel the presence of each other.
How can you understand loneliness in a relationship?
When both or anyone in a relationship avoids the shared responsibilities, it creates holes in communication. Good communication is the key to any relationship. When a married couple finds a gap in communication, it might create loneliness. Marriage and family therapist Kiaundra Jackson said, “Holes in communications, feelings that someone isn’t pulling their weight in shared responsibilities, or putting a lot of energy into parenting and not as much into a partnership can cause loneliness to build.”
How can you handle it?
First of all, you have to admit it. Morgan Cutlip stated, “There’s something about expressing loneliness that feels a bit like you’re admitting ‘I’m not okay on my own. But we’re wired to connect. We need relationships.”
So, you need to realize your current mindset to understand what do you want from this relationship. Then consult with your partner. Never play the blame game. Rather try to understand the moves of each other. Clear communication will help you both to move forward. Furthermore, you can also consult with a therapist who can help you to rebuild the closeness.
What do experts suggest?
Experts stated that feeling lonely in a relationship for a certain period is normal. In fact, disconnection for a particular time can make your relationship relatively healthy.
Relationship expert Morgan Cutlip said, “There’s this expectation that [your relationship] is the one place you don’t feel lonely, where you feel the most connected and cared for.” She also added, “Life has a way of pulling us apart. We get into a routine, and we lose out on moments to connect.”
A relationship researcher and Associate Professor of Human Development and Family Studies at the University of New Hampshire, Tyler Jamison said, “We just need a relationship to be consistent and positive in providing us with a sense of social and emotional connection.”
So, feeling lonely in a relationship is a part of the human experience. We all should learn how to confront it so that it helps us to face the reality.