When One Partner Withdraws: Understanding ‘Quiet Quitting’ in Relationships

Like quiet quitting jobs- quiet quitting is “relationship withdrawal” in a relationship. It occurs when one partner starts to disengage from the relationship emotionally. This can be a confusing and hurtful experience for the other partner, as it can be challenging to understand why their partner is pulling away.

Various reasons can explain why a partner is quiet quitting in the relationship. Unlike when someone leaves their job, the reason behind a discreet breakup in a personal relationship isn’t often that clear.

They may be unhappy in the relationship but are afraid to break up or feel overwhelmed or stressed.

There are cases where they are already going through something difficult in their personal life. Or, they may not be ready for a relationship then.

The worst is when they are there for you every day, but are not putting in the same energy they used to. 

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Whatever the reason, quiet quitting can be disastrous for a relationship. The withdrawn partner may feel confused, rejected, and insecure. They may begin to mistrust their worth and try to compensate for their partner’s lack of effort, leading to resentment and tiredness.

 

If you think your partner may be quietly quitting the relationship, there are a few things you can do:

  • Talk to them about it. Be honest about how you’re feeling and express your concerns. Try to understand their perspective and why they may be withdrawing.
  • Set boundaries. Setting boundaries is essential if your partner is unwilling to communicate or make an effort in the relationship. This may mean spending less time together or ending the relationship altogether.
  • Take care of yourself. It’s important to remember that you can’t control your partner’s behaviour. Focus on taking care of yourself and your own needs. This may involve spending time with friends and family, pursuing hobbies, or seeking professional help.
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Suppose you’re the one who is thinking about quietly quitting your relationship. In that case, being honest with yourself and your partner matters. Are you happy in the relationship? Are you willing to communicate and make an effort? If not, it may be time to end things.

Here are some additional signs that your partner may be quietly quitting the relationship:

  • Less Communication: Your partner may become less responsive, distant, or disinterested in conversations, making you feel ignored or isolated.
  • Lack of Emotional Connection: Emotional intimacy may diminish, with your partner becoming emotionally detached, avoiding discussions about feelings, and showing little interest in your emotional well-being.
  • Absence of Physical Intimacy: Physical affection, including cuddling, holding hands, or sexual intimacy, may decrease significantly, causing a noticeable rift between you and your partner.
  • Engaging Less in Shared Activities: Your partner may show disinterest in activities you both used to enjoy together, finding excuses to avoid spending quality time or participating in shared hobbies.
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If you see any of these signs, talk to your partner about your concerns. The relationship may be fixable if they are willing to communicate and make an effort. However, it may be time to end the relationship if they are unwilling to change.

It’s important to remember that you deserve to be in a happy and fulfilling relationship. If your partner is not meeting your needs, walking away is okay.