8 signs your partner just isn’t the one (according to a relationship expert)

There’s a vast difference between loving someone and being in love with the right one.

The distinction is in the details. Settling for someone who just doesn’t feel right is a lot like buying a pair of shoes that don’t fit, hoping they’ll stretch out over time.

In love, as in shoe shopping, it’s all about finding the perfect fit – someone who complements your life, not complicates it. And as a relationship expert and founder of the Love Connection blog, I’ve seen my fair share of mismatched pairs.

So here are the 8 signs your partner just isn’t the one, poised to help you understand when it’s time to browse other options. Because remember, my lovelies – you deserve nothing less than a perfect fit in love.

1) Constant compromise

Love is a beautiful dance of give and take. But what happens when you are always the one bending backwards?

In any relationship, compromise is key. Yet, it should never be a one-way street. If you find yourself constantly giving in, constantly adjusting your sails to their wind, it’s time to reassess.

Whether it’s about where to eat for dinner or bigger life decisions like moving cities for their job, if you’re the only one making sacrifices, that’s a glaring red flag.

Balance, my dears, is non-negotiable in love. And as a relationship expert, I can tell you that a love that constantly tips the scale isn’t a love that’s meant to last.

So take a step back and evaluate: Are your compromises met with equal flexibility from their end? Or are you dancing solo in this duet of love?

2) You’re chasing after potential

We’ve all been there – seeing a glimmer of what could be, and then holding on, hoping that one day they’ll become the person we see in our dreams.

But here’s some hard truth, folks.

Love isn’t about falling for who they could be. It’s about loving them for who they are, right now.

I can recall a wise quote from the phenomenal Maya Angelou, “When someone shows you who they are, believe them the first time”.

This rings especially true in love.

If you find yourself constantly waiting for your partner to change or grow into this idealized version you have in your head, it’s a clear sign they may not be the one.

Remember my darlings, you cannot sculpt someone into the person you want them to be. Love is about acceptance, not a renovation project.

3) Emotional dependency

In love, it’s perfectly normal to lean on each other for support. But when leaning turns into clinging, it’s time to assess the situation.

Emotional dependency is when you’re unable to function or feel complete without your partner. It’s an unhealthy reliance that can suffocate both you and your relationship.

I’ve seen this time and again in my career as a relationship expert. And let me tell you, it’s a difficult pattern to break. But it’s not impossible.

In fact, I’ve written extensively about this in my book “Breaking The Attachment: How To Overcome Codependency in Your Relationship”. It’s a guide designed to help people exactly like you navigate through the complex maze of codependency.

So if you’re feeling like your happiness is tied exclusively to your partner, take a step back.

Remember, a healthy relationship involves two whole individuals coming together, not two halves trying to create a whole.

4) You’re happier when you’re apart

Now, this might sound counterintuitive. After all, isn’t love about wanting to be with each other?

Well, yes. But it’s also about being able to be apart and still feel content.

If you find that you’re feeling more relaxed, more yourself, or just generally happier when your partner isn’t around, it might be time to think about why that is.

Perhaps there’s a lack of compatibility or maybe it’s the constant compromises you’re making. Whatever the reason, it’s a clear sign that something isn’t right in the relationship.

Your partner should enhance your happiness, not stifle it. It’s perfectly normal to enjoy some alone time, but if solitude becomes your preferred state, you need to reassess the relationship.

As they say – you shouldn’t feel alone when you’re with someone.

5) You’re constantly justifying their behavior

Here’s something I’ve noticed over the years: When we love someone, we often become their biggest cheerleaders, even when they don’t deserve it.

If you’re always making excuses for your partner’s behavior, especially to your friends and family, it’s time to pause.

Whether it’s explaining away their rudeness or justifying their lack of time for you, if you’re constantly on the defensive for your partner, something isn’t right.

I’ve been there myself. I’ve made excuses for people I’ve loved, hoping they would change. But trust me when I say this – actions speak louder than words.

So ask yourself, are you in love with the person standing in front of you or the person you’re hoping they’ll become?

Because my dears, those are two very different things.

6) You don’t see a future with them

Now, let’s get real here. Picture your future, say five, ten years down the line. Do you see your partner in it?

If the thought of growing old with your current partner doesn’t excite you, or even worse, scares you, it’s a sign they might not be the one.

Love isn’t just about the present. It’s about envisioning a shared future together. And if you can’t see them in your tomorrow, it’s time to reconsider your today.

This might sound harsh, but it’s the raw truth. A relationship without a future is like a house without a foundation – it’s bound to crumble sooner or later.

So take a moment, look ahead and listen to what your heart is telling you. It knows more than you give it credit for.

7) You’re living parallel lives

You know, there’s a saying by the brilliant Albert Einstein that goes, “Parallel lines meet at infinity.”

While this holds true in the realm of physics, it’s a different story when it comes to love.

If you and your partner are living parallel lives – always alongside each other but never intersecting, never truly connecting – it’s a clear sign that they might not be the one.

One of the most beautiful aspects of a relationship is sharing experiences, growing together, and building a shared life. It’s not about losing your individuality, but rather about intertwining your journeys.

I’ve seen many couples living separate lives under the same roof. Trust me, it’s more common than you think. And sadly, it often leads to loneliness and disconnect.

So take a good look at your relationship. Are you two travelling on separate paths or are you adventuring through life together?

Because my dears, true love is about walking hand in hand, not merely side by side.

8) You’re not happy

This is perhaps the rawest and most honest sign of them all. Are you genuinely happy in your relationship?

It’s a simple question, yet one many of us are too scared to confront. But your happiness matters. And if you’re consistently unhappy, it’s a glaring sign that something needs to change.

Do you find yourself yearning for a different life? Do you catch yourself daydreaming about being single or with someone else?

These aren’t thoughts to be ignored.

Love should bring joy, comfort, and peace. It’s not supposed to be constant turmoil or a source of continuous stress.

So let’s face it, my loves. If being in the relationship makes you more unhappy than happy, it might be time to rethink if they are truly the one for you. Because you deserve happiness, in love and in life.

Final thoughts

Recognizing that someone isn’t right for you can be tough.

But remember, my darlings, a relationship should add to your life, not drain you. And sometimes, the bravest thing you can do is to admit when it’s time to walk away.

These signs are just guidelines, not rules set in stone. But if they resonate with you, it might be time to have a heart-to-heart with yourself and your partner.

Remember, there’s no shame in seeking help. If you’re struggling with codependency or finding it hard to let go, my book “Breaking The Attachment: How To Overcome Codependency in Your Relationship” could be a helpful resource.

Take care of your hearts, my loves. You’re stronger than you think and more deserving of love than you believe.

Until next time, this is Tina Fey, signing off with a reminder that you deserve the kind of love you’d give to someone else.