You know someone is deeply unhappy in their marriage when they start displaying these 8 subtle behaviors

There's a vast difference between a happy marriage and an unhappy one, and often it can be seen in the smallest of behaviors.

You see, when someone is deeply unhappy in their marriage, they don't always make grand announcements. Instead, they start showing subtle signs, signs that can be overlooked if you're not paying close attention.

Understanding these signs is like learning a new language. You begin to see the hidden messages, the silent pleas for help. And once you learn these 8 subtle behaviors, you'll be able to spot when someone is stuck in an unhappy marriage.

Ready to learn this new language? Here we go.

1) They become distant

It's a sign that is often overlooked, but when someone starts to become distant, it's a clear indicator that something is wrong.

Marriages require connection, both physical and emotional. When one partner starts pulling away, it can be a sign of deep unhappiness. Suddenly, they're not as enthusiastic about shared hobbies or joint activities. Conversations become more surface-level, and emotional sharing dwindles.

It’s like watching a ship slowly drift away from shore. It's subtle and gradual but before you know it they’re miles away, lost in a sea of discontentment.

Understanding this sign is crucial because it's often the first indication that something is amiss. So pay attention to shifts in closeness. It could be hinting at a deeper issue beneath the surface.

2) Avoiding time together

I remember a friend of mine, let's call him Jake. Jake was always the life of the party, a social butterfly. He loved spending time with his wife, they were inseparable. But then, things started to change.

Jake started spending more and more time on his own. He'd stay late at work, make plans with friends on the weekends, and immerse himself in hobbies that didn't involve his wife. There was always an excuse to be anywhere but home.

At first, I thought Jake was just busy. But when I asked him about it, his answer was telling.

"I just need some space," he'd say. But it wasn't space from work or his friends that he needed. It was space from his marriage.

Avoiding time together is a subtle sign of marital unhappiness. When we’re happy, we naturally want to share experiences with our partners. But when someone starts avoiding these shared experiences, it could mean they're wrestling with unhappiness in their marriage.

3) Reduced communication

Communication is the lifeblood of any relationship. When it starts to dry up, the relationship can begin to wither.

Studies have shown that couples who communicate effectively have a higher chance of maintaining a happy and fulfilling relationship. Conversely, when communication becomes stilted or non-existent, it's often a sign that one or both partners are unhappy.

For instance, they might stop discussing their day, their feelings or their thoughts. Or perhaps they only talk about mundane matters like household chores or bills. The rich tapestry of shared experiences, dreams and fears becomes a monochrome canvas of practicalities.

So keep an eye out for this change in communication. It can be a major signal that something's amiss in the marriage.

4) Lack of intimacy

Intimacy isn't just about the physical aspect, it's about emotional closeness, too. It's about being able to share your deepest thoughts and feelings with your partner, and feeling safe and valued in return.

When someone is unhappy in their marriage, they often withdraw from intimacy. It might start with less physical affection — fewer hugs, kisses or cuddles. Then it can progress to a lack of emotional closeness — they stop sharing their feelings or showing interest in their partner's emotions.

This lack of intimacy can be a clear sign of unhappiness. After all, a marriage without intimacy is like a plant without water. It might survive for a while, but eventually, it will start to wither.

5) They seem constantly tired or stressed

When someone carries the weight of an unhappy marriage, it's not just their heart that feels heavy. It can take a toll on their entire being.

You may notice they always seem tired, even after a good night's sleep. Or perhaps they're frequently stressed, even when there's no obvious cause for concern. That's because emotional turmoil can drain energy just as much as physical exertion.

They're carrying the weight of their unhappiness everywhere they go, and it's exhausting. It's like walking through life with a backpack filled with stones. Every step is harder, every hill steeper.

So if you notice a loved one constantly seems tired or stressed, it might be more than just a rough patch at work or a busy phase in life. They could be carrying the weight of an unhappy marriage.

6) They stop talking about their spouse

I'll never forget a conversation I had a few years ago. A close friend and I were catching up over coffee, and I realized something was missing. She hadn't mentioned her husband once. Not a single word.

This was unusual. They had always been a team, their stories intertwined. But now, it was as if he didn't exist.

When I asked her about it, she brushed it off. But over time, the truth came out. Their marriage was in trouble, and she had been unconsciously distancing herself from him in conversation.

When someone stops talking about their spouse, it can be a sign they're trying to distance themselves emotionally. It's a subtle change, but one that can speak volumes about the state of their relationship.

7) They become overly critical of their spouse

Criticism in a marriage is not uncommon. After all, no one is perfect. But when someone is deeply unhappy, the criticism can become constant and excessive.

They might start nitpicking their spouse's habits, criticizing their decisions, or making negative comments about their appearance. It's as if they're looking for faults, highlighting the negatives while ignoring the positives.

This behavior often stems from frustration or dissatisfaction within the marriage. Instead of addressing their feelings directly, they channel it into criticism of their spouse.

So if you notice a friend or loved one becoming overly critical of their spouse, it might be a sign of deeper unhappiness in their marriage.

8) Their overall demeanor changes

Above all, the most telling sign of marital unhappiness is a change in overall demeanor.

Humans are creatures of habit. We have our moods, our quirks, our rhythms. When we're happy, it shows in our actions, our words, our expressions. But when we're unhappy, especially in something as significant as a marriage, it can turn our world upside down.

You might notice that their laughter doesn't reach their eyes anymore or that their smiles seem forced. They might lose interest in things they once loved or start to withdraw from social activities.

This shift might be subtle at first, but over time it becomes more apparent. It's like watching a vibrant painting fade over time. The colors aren't as bright, the details not as sharp.

Remember, it's not about spotting a single sign but seeing the bigger picture. And if someone you care about is showing these signs, reach out. Sometimes, all they need is someone who sees their struggle and offers support.