Takeaway: No relationship is perfect. However, if you’re unhappy more often than not, you may be wondering whether you should stay with your partner or not. Our “Should I Stay in My Relationship” quiz can help you make the decision that’s right for you.

If being together feels more draining than fulfilling, it might be time to pause and reflect: Is this a normal rough patch, or have we grown apart?

The main reason many find themselves questioning their relationship is a profound sense of disconnection. If the happiness and laughter have faded and your conversations feel like boring monologues, you may be wondering if the relationship is worth saving.

This quiz is here to help you figure things out with your current partner. An honest look at your current relationship is a first step toward clarity.

We’ll examine the vital parts of your relationship such as how you communicate, enjoy time together, and whether your long-term goals align. By the end, you’ll better understand if your relationship feels happy and healthy or if there are signs it might be time to move on.

Understanding the signs of a healthy relationship

A healthy relationship is often characterized by several key factors that contribute to the well-being of both partners. Here are some main factors to consider:

• Laughter and Fun: The relationship has a sense of playfulness, and partners often describe themselves as best friends.
• Effective Communication: People who feel happy in their relationships talk openly, honestly, and respectfully, expressing both positive and negative feelings to understand each other better.
• Trust and Respect: Each person trusts the other completely, feeling confident in their partner’s loyalty and intentions. There is a sense of value for each other’s opinions, boundaries, and unique personalities.
• Support: People who support one another’s goals and dreams and offer encouragement through challenges want to stay in their relationships.
• Quality Time Together: Spending meaningful time together is a priority, enjoying each other’s company and maintaining a connection is critical to relationship satisfaction.
• Affection and Intimacy: Regular expressions of love, affection, and sexual intimacy help maintain a strong emotional connection.
• Independence: Each partner has space and freedom to pursue their own interests and friendships outside the relationship.
• Conflict Resolution: Disagreements are handled in a constructive way, aiming for compromise and understanding without resorting to personal attacks.

Knowing whether these factors are present in a relationship often requires self-reflection and open dialogue with a partner. If these elements are consistently part of the relationship experience, it’s a strong sign that the relationship is healthy.

Understanding the signs of an unhealthy relationship

Deciding to break up can be driven by various factors in life. Some are deeply personal and specific to the individual circumstances. However, there are common themes that often lead people to consider ending a relationship:

• Lack of Trust or Cheating: Infidelity can be a deal-breaker for many people. Consistent dishonesty or infidelity erodes the foundation of trust which is crucial for a relationship to survive.
• Neglect or Indifference: Feeling taken for granted, experiencing emotional neglect, or lack of affection and attention.
• Continuous Conflict: Frequent, unresolved arguments that escalate into disrespect and create a toxic environment. When two people feel blamed or wrong all the time, you may imagine life without strife.
• Control Issues: Struggles with power dynamics where one partner feels controlled or restricted by the other.
• Communication Breakdown: The inability to speak effectively often leads to misunderstandings, hurt feelings, and resentment.
• Unmet Needs or Lack of Support: Essential emotional or physical needs are not being satisfied within the relationship.
• Substance Abuse: Issues arising from one partner’s substance abuse can strain the relationship beyond repair.
• Incompatibility: Realizing that fundamental values, lifestyles, or goals are mismatched. Relationships may find they are at different life stages and want different things (e.g., one wants children, the other does not).
• Abuse: Any form of physical, emotional, sexual, or psychological abuse is a critical sign that the relationship may possibly be harmful.
  • Making the decision to leave an abusive relationship is complicated and can be dangerous. Please seek advice or guidance from a licensed professional before making a break. Your safety is most important.

If you’re in a current relationship and are thinking of ending things, you probably feel a lack of hope, wondering if your effort is worth it. If you’re seeking answers to what causes most relationships to end, you may find help from what Dr. John Gottman labels as predictors of relationship difficulties and the probability that a relationship won’t make it.

Understanding that every relationship is unique, these factors can manifest in different ways and to varying degrees, influencing the decision to stay or leave.

Stay or leave relationship quiz

For this quiz “When to leave a relationship quiz,” be thoughtful and answer honestly. This quiz is meant to be helpful in gaining awareness. This quiz is not advice to walk away from a long-term relationship. Relationships are difficult as well as rewarding, but our focus can be skewed when we go through difficulties. Slow down, breathe, and contemplate each question.

Are you excited about spending time with your partner?

A – Yes, it’s the best!

B – It depends on the day.

C – Not really, I’d rather do other things.

Do you consider this person your best friend?

A – Absolutely!

B – I have other friends who are closer.

C – Not really, I wouldn’t say we are not best friends.

How well do you and your partner manage conflict?

A – We listen to each other and find solutions.

B – Sometimes it’s productive, but other times it’s difficult.

C – We often end up in arguments without resolution.

Do you feel your partner shows you appreciation and admiration?

A – Yes, I feel deeply appreciated.

B – They show appreciation, but it could be more consistent.

C – I rarely feel admired or appreciated.

How often does contempt show up in your disagreements?

A – We keep our disagreements respectful.

B – Occasionally, one of us might say something hurtful.

C – Contempt is a regular part of our arguments.

How respected do you feel in the relationship?

A – Always, I feel deeply valued and respected.

B – Sometimes, though it could be more consistent.

C – Rarely, I often feel taken for granted.

Can you envision a future with your partner that fills you with hope and happiness?

A – Yes, we’re excited about our shared vision.

B – It’s becoming unclear; we seem to want different things.

C – I struggle to feel optimistic about being together long-term.

When discussing your feelings, does your partner try to understand?

A – Yes, they always listen attentively and empathetically.

B – Sometimes, but we sometimes miss the mark on understanding each other.

C – I often feel dismissed and misunderstood.

Do you and your mate have shared values and goals for life?

A – Absolutely, we’re in sync about our future.

B – We have our differences but are trying to work through them.

C – Our paths and values seem to be diverging significantly.

Interpreting your results

This quiz is a reflective tool, informed by the research of relationship experts like Drs. John and Julie Gottman. Mostly ‘A’s suggest a strong and healthy bond, ‘B’s point to areas that may need improvement, and ‘C’s might indicate serious concerns that warrant attention.

Use this as a guide to think about your past and what you want in the future. You do not need to consider this a final verdict on your relationship.

Getting support with your relationship

If right now, you know things can’t go left unchanged. There is no more time to be unhappy and you’re at a point where you long for more connection, support, and respect.

You want to be excited about spending time together. You want to feel good about the life you share and it’s your desire to say, “This is my best friend.”

We can help. You don’t have to feel lost and wonder how to repair this relationship. Addressing relationship challenges can be complex, and it’s a path you don’t have to walk alone.

Willow Mark Therapy PLLC offers supportive services tailored to the unique journey of each couple. Inspired by the insights of experts like Dr. John Gottman, we can help you strengthen your bond or navigate the decision to part ways. For guidance and support, schedule an appointment today. Feel free to call 817-578-6775 or email us at info@willowmarktherapy.com

It’s amazing how many things can change when you have the right guidance. Let’s discuss the best path forward for you and your relationship.