7 Things All Unhappy Couples Do (And What You Should Do Instead)

 6. They lose sight of their partnership. 

Your partner should be your ride-or-die bestie, your partner in crime. One thing unhappy couples have in common is losing sight of that unbreakable partnership, said Crowley.

“Life changes when we marry or get serious,” she said. “Maybe the wife’s focus is the children and the husband feels left out or the husband works long, late hours and the wife feels alone. We start to go through the motions and we don’t feel bonded or connected anymore.”

To regain that sense of partnership, try to actively show your partner how much you appreciate him or her, Crowley said.

“Tell and show you care,” she said. “Pause for a moment when your partner comes home to welcome and embrace him or her. Be affectionate. It helps forge connection and closeness.  It’s a reminder that he or she is your one and only.”

7. They don’t touch. 

Don’t underestimate the power of playful pinches on the bum and hand-holding in public. Couples on the fritz tend to put physical contact and the intimacy on the back burner, said Clark.

“Human touch is a cornerstone of bonding and has been shown to drive up oxytocin — dubbed the cuddle hormone — that in turn facilitates attachment,” she explained. “If you’re in a relationship, make sure to do the little things: kiss each other when you say goodbye, hug more frequently or just hold hands while driving or watching TV. It will make a difference.”