Are They Acting Distant?
So, you’re worried your partner has been acting distant lately. Maybe they’re suddenly skipping out on plans, or you feel like they’re a million miles away even though they’re right next to you. This can be frustrating and overall a big bummer.
Answer these questions about how you feel around your partner to see if they’re being emotionally distant.
Questions Overview
- Yes! All of the time!
- Yeah, but only when they have free time.
- Not really. I don’t see them as often as I’d like.
- No. They never have time for me.
- Yes!
- Sometimes.
- Rarely.
- No.
- They’re very open with me! We can talk about anything.
- They’re considerate about my feelings and needs.
- There’s a mutual respect between us.
- None of the above.
- Very often!
- Occasionally.
- Rarely.
- Never.
- Yes! At least once a day!
- Yeah, maybe twice a week.
- Sometimes, but only when it’s a special occasion.
- No, they don’t give me gifts.
- Very often.
- Occasionally.
- Rarely.
- Never.
- More than once a day!
- At least once a day.
- At least once a week.
- I don’t really feel loved around them.
- Nope! We get along really well.
- Not really, but we can bicker.
- Yeah, sometimes. But it doesn’t happen too often.
- Yes. We fight a lot.
More Quizzes
If you feel confined or pressured by your partner, talk to them about it. Remember, even in a relationship, it\u2019s important to have some alone time.","edit_links":[{"url":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/Signs-That-You%27re-in-a-Healthy-Relationship"},{"url":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/Fix-Emotional-Distance-in-a-Relationship"}],"link_data":[{"title":"7+ Signs That You're in a Healthy Relationship","id":12556764,"url":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/Signs-That-You%27re-in-a-Healthy-Relationship","relUrl":"\/Signs-That-You%27re-in-a-Healthy-Relationship","image":"\/images\/thumb\/f\/f7\/Signs-That-You%27re-in-a-Healthy-Relationship-Step-8.jpg\/-crop-200-200-200px-Signs-That-You%27re-in-a-Healthy-Relationship-Step-8.jpg","alt":"7+ Signs That You're in a Healthy Relationship"},{"title":"How to Overcome Emotional Distance in Your Relationship","id":12978969,"url":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/Fix-Emotional-Distance-in-a-Relationship","relUrl":"\/Fix-Emotional-Distance-in-a-Relationship","image":"\/images\/thumb\/b\/be\/Fix-Emotional-Distance-in-a-Relationship-Step-11.jpg\/-crop-200-200-200px-Fix-Emotional-Distance-in-a-Relationship-Step-11.jpg","alt":"How to Overcome Emotional Distance in Your Relationship"}],"minimum":0,"image":"","image_url":""},{"number":2,"text":"They might act distant from time to time.","meaning":"Distance? Yeah, they\u2019re a bit familiar with her. They\u2019re likely a devoted partner, but<\/i> they\u2019re not always as present as you\u2019d like them to be. Try sitting down and having a good talk with them\u2014let them know how you\u2019re feeling. Share what more you need in the relationship to feel supported and loved.
Keep in mind that a little distance is healthy in a relationship. You don\u2019t have to be by each other\u2019s sides 24\/7. Know that some space is good.","edit_links":[{"url":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/Signs-That-You%27re-in-a-Healthy-Relationship"},{"url":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/Fix-Emotional-Distance-in-a-Relationship"}],"link_data":[{"title":"7+ Signs That You're in a Healthy Relationship","id":12556764,"url":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/Signs-That-You%27re-in-a-Healthy-Relationship","relUrl":"\/Signs-That-You%27re-in-a-Healthy-Relationship","image":"\/images\/thumb\/f\/f7\/Signs-That-You%27re-in-a-Healthy-Relationship-Step-8.jpg\/-crop-200-200-200px-Signs-That-You%27re-in-a-Healthy-Relationship-Step-8.jpg","alt":"7+ Signs That You're in a Healthy Relationship"},{"title":"How to Overcome Emotional Distance in Your Relationship","id":12978969,"url":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/Fix-Emotional-Distance-in-a-Relationship","relUrl":"\/Fix-Emotional-Distance-in-a-Relationship","image":"\/images\/thumb\/b\/be\/Fix-Emotional-Distance-in-a-Relationship-Step-11.jpg\/-crop-200-200-200px-Fix-Emotional-Distance-in-a-Relationship-Step-11.jpg","alt":"How to Overcome Emotional Distance in Your Relationship"}],"minimum":0,"image":"","image_url":""},{"number":3,"text":"They may be a bit distant.","meaning":"Distance likely isn\u2019t something new in your relationship. They may be feeling farther away lately. Who knows? They may be going through something! Now, we can\u2019t know for sure what\u2019s going on, so it\u2019s best to chat with them. Sit down and talk about your relationship, what you\u2019ve noticed, and how you can both be more supportive of each other.
Keep in mind that a little distance is healthy in a relationship. You don\u2019t have to be by each other\u2019s sides 24\/7. Know that some space is good.","edit_links":[{"url":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/Have-a-Healthy-Relationship"},{"url":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/Fix-Emotional-Distance-in-a-Relationship"}],"link_data":[{"title":"How to Have a Healthy Relationship","id":911760,"url":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/Have-a-Healthy-Relationship","relUrl":"\/Have-a-Healthy-Relationship","image":"\/images\/thumb\/5\/54\/Have-a-Healthy-Relationship-Step-14-Version-5.jpg\/-crop-200-200-200px-Have-a-Healthy-Relationship-Step-14-Version-5.jpg","alt":"How to Have a Healthy Relationship"},{"title":"How to Overcome Emotional Distance in Your Relationship","id":12978969,"url":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/Fix-Emotional-Distance-in-a-Relationship","relUrl":"\/Fix-Emotional-Distance-in-a-Relationship","image":"\/images\/thumb\/b\/be\/Fix-Emotional-Distance-in-a-Relationship-Step-11.jpg\/-crop-200-200-200px-Fix-Emotional-Distance-in-a-Relationship-Step-11.jpg","alt":"How to Overcome Emotional Distance in Your Relationship"}],"minimum":0,"image":"","image_url":""},{"number":4,"text":"They\u2019re acting distant.","meaning":"Based on your answers, it\u2019s very likely that they\u2019ve been acting a bit strange lately. They might be putting some distance between you because they\u2019re going through something difficult or are trying to find themselves. Now, we can\u2019t know for certain if this means they\u2019re questioning the relationship, so it\u2019s best to have a conversation with them to see where their head\u2019s at.","edit_links":[{"url":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/Have-a-Healthy-Relationship"},{"url":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/Fix-Emotional-Distance-in-a-Relationship"}],"link_data":[{"title":"How to Have a Healthy Relationship","id":911760,"url":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/Have-a-Healthy-Relationship","relUrl":"\/Have-a-Healthy-Relationship","image":"\/images\/thumb\/5\/54\/Have-a-Healthy-Relationship-Step-14-Version-5.jpg\/-crop-200-200-200px-Have-a-Healthy-Relationship-Step-14-Version-5.jpg","alt":"How to Have a Healthy Relationship"},{"title":"How to Overcome Emotional Distance in Your Relationship","id":12978969,"url":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/Fix-Emotional-Distance-in-a-Relationship","relUrl":"\/Fix-Emotional-Distance-in-a-Relationship","image":"\/images\/thumb\/b\/be\/Fix-Emotional-Distance-in-a-Relationship-Step-11.jpg\/-crop-200-200-200px-Fix-Emotional-Distance-in-a-Relationship-Step-11.jpg","alt":"How to Overcome Emotional Distance in Your Relationship"}],"minimum":0,"image":"","image_url":""}]" class="quiz_results_data"/><\/picture>","alt":"Apology Language Quiz"},{"title":"Relationship Anxiety Test","id":13804388,"url":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/Relationships\/Relationship-Anxiety-Test","relUrl":"\/Relationships\/Relationship-Anxiety-Test","image":"
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What Is Distance in a Relationship?
In a relationship, distance is when you feel a sudden lack of connection or emotion from your partner. While they may be right next to you, you feel like they’re a million miles away. Every relationship goes through stages—relationships naturally ebb and flow—but too much distance could put a strain on the partnership.
So, what are the signs of distance?
- Not discussing emotions. If you and your partner bottle up your emotions around each other, it’s very likely you’re emotionally distant.
- Lack of intimacy and affection. Not wanting to be physically close to your partner may be a sign of emotional strain.
- Unresolved conflict or a lack of conflict. A lack of agreements or compromises can slowly pull partners apart.
- Unmet needs.
If you or your partner feels unfulfilled in the relationship, it can put a strain on the relationship.
What causes emotional distance? In relationships, distance can be caused by high levels of stress, anxiety, and criticism. Most relationships experience a period of distance when one or both partners go through a significant life change or are struggling to find balance in and outside the relationship.
How do you overcome distance ? If you and your partner are experiencing some distance, know that it doesn’t mean it’s the end of the relationship. A little distance is healthy—you need space to be your own person—but too much distance can put a strain on your emotional bond. The best thing to do is sit down and have a heart-to-heart with your partner. Talk about what may be troubling you and discuss your wants and needs. Try meeting with a relationship counselor for advice from a third party.
Want to learn more?
For more information about emotional distance in a relationship, check out these resources: