Home » Online Therapy » Couples therapy » Not in love

Sometimes, relationships reach a point where feelings cool down, fade, or disappear. This does not mean they are gone forever but may need help reawakening. In such cases, a couple's therapist may be your choice.

How do you know if you’re not in love anymore?

In many relationships, there comes a time when one partner may feel that they are no longer in love. This can be a complex and confusing experience, especially when considering questions like “Am I in love or not?” or “Why am I not falling in love?” Understanding the signs indicating that you are no longer in love and how to deal with the lack of a feeling is essential.

Signs of fading love

When love starts to fade in a relationship, it often manifests through different signs. Here are the most common signals that love is beginning to fade or at least cool down temporarily.

What set our therapist apart was her genuine empathy and personal insight. Not only did she possess a deep understanding of neurodiversity, but she also shared personal experiences that resonated with us, creating an instant connection and fostering a sense of trust!

Benedetta Osarenk


Our counsellors

Click here to view all psychologists, therapists, and coaches.

Physical distance

Increased physical distance can be a sign that something is wrong in a relationship. This means physical separation due to work or other commitments and a reduced willingness to seek closeness or physical contact. It may mean that a partner no longer seeks hugs, kisses or other forms of physical closeness that were previously common. Physical distance can be a sign of emotional distance and can affect the intimacy of the relationship. It is essential to pay attention to this change, as physical closeness is often a fundamental part of the emotional bond in a relationship.

Emotional absence

Emotional absence in a relationship occurs when one or both partners feel mentally and emotionally distant. This can manifest itself through a lack of interest in the partner’s life, thoughts, or feelings. Conversations may become more superficial, or the deeper conversations previously shared are now avoided. This absence can create a gap between partners, making it difficult to maintain a sense of closeness and understanding. Reconnecting on an emotional level requires time, patience, and sometimes professional help.


Book a meeting

Fill in the form, choose a counsellor, and proceed to payment.

Irritation and frustration

Irritation and frustration are natural parts of any relationship, but when they become a constant presence, they can indicate more profound problems. It can start with minor annoyances that escalate into more significant conflicts. Then, things that were once ignored or accepted can now irritate. This can be a sign of underlying unhappiness or dissatisfaction in the relationship. Identifying the source of the irritation and dealing with it healthily through open communication and working together to resolve conflicts is essential.

Disinterest in the future

A sign of problems in a relationship can be a loss of interest in discussing or planning for the future together. This may mean that one partner no longer seems enthusiastic about joint plans, such as travel, buying a house, or discussing family life. This change may signal uncertainty about the relationship’s future or a reluctance to commit longer-term. It is essential to confront these feelings directly and openly to understand what each partner wants and expects from the relationship.

Communication problems

Communication is the lifeblood of any relationship, and lack of communication can lead to severe problems. This can include a lack of listening, misunderstandings or avoiding conversations about important topics. Communication problems can also include negative communication patterns, such as criticism, defensiveness, contempt, and silent treatment (sometimes called stonewalling). These problems can damage the foundation and trust of the relationship. To solve communication problems, both parties must be committed to improving their communication and are willing to listen to and understand each other.


Why Lavendla?

4,7 of 5 in 5000+ reviews

Thousands of clients trust Lavendla Therapy for delivering exceptional service and support.

Choose your own counsellor

Browse and select a counsellor based on reviews, area of focus, and education, ensuring you find the perfect match.

45, 60 or 90 min sessions

Choose a 45, 60, or 90-minute session, or a package, providing flexibility and control over the duration and intensity.

Lack of effort

Relationships require continuous effort from both parties. When one or both begin to stop making an effort, the relationship can lose its spark. This can include no longer making small gestures, such as planning date nights or surprises, or stopping showing appreciation for the partner. Lack of effort can manifest in not working on personal growth or relationship development. Therefore, effort and newfound commitment to the relationship can revive the love and strengthen the bond between the partners.

Reasons for problems in the relationship

There are many reasons why you may not feel in love anymore. Stress, life changes, or a sense of growing apart can be contributing factors. Sometimes, it may be a temporary feeling that can be overcome with time and effort.

Dealing with a lack of love

  • Communication: The first step is openly discussing your feelings with your partner. It can be challenging to say, “I’m not in love anymore,” but honesty is essential.
  • Professional help: Seeking professional help can provide new perspectives and tools to deal with the situation.
  • Self-reflection: Understanding your feelings and needs is essential. Questions like “don’t know if I’m in love” require time and self-awareness to answer.
  • Rediscovering each other: Sometimes you can find your way back by rediscovering each other, spending time together or trying new activities.
  • Accepting change: Sometimes, you must accept that feelings change, and moving on is okay.

Get clarity through real support.

If you feel that you are not in love anymore, it is essential not to ignore these feelings. As help through couples therapy can be a first step in understanding your emotions, it can help you formulate what you want from your relationship. Remember, we make the hard things easier. Take care of your mental health and your relationships. If you or your partner are experiencing difficulties, don’t hesitate to contact us for support and guidance.


14 FAQs about Falling Out of Love

How do you know that you are not in love anymore?

Recognising the signs that you are not in love anymore can be difficult. Common indications include lack of emotional attachment, decreased interest in your partner’s life, and lack of desire to spend time together. Reflecting on your feelings and perhaps seeking professional counselling to understand them better is essential.

Why can’t some people fall in love?

The inability to fall in love can be due to factors such as past negative relationship experiences, fear of intimacy or emotional blocks. Sometimes, it can also be related to psychological conditions such as alexithymia, which means someone has difficulty identifying and expressing emotions.

How do you know when you are tired of your partner?

Getting tired of your partner can manifest itself in different ways. Common signs are irritation over small things, lack of communication, and feeling stuck in a routine without emotional satisfaction. Communicating these feelings with your partner and considering couples therapy to revive the relationship is essential.

Why have I fallen out of love?

Losing feelings of love can be due to several factors, including changes in life situations, personal growth leading to different life goals, or a lack of emotional connection over time. Sometimes, it can result from unresolved conflicts or a lack of shared interests and activities that keep the relationship alive.

How to deal with feelings of not being in love?

Dealing with these feelings starts with self-reflection and honest communication with your partner. Professional counselling can help explore your feelings and determine the next steps. It is important to remember that love can change over time, and sometimes, rekindling love can mean working through challenges together.

Can love reappear after disappearing?

Yes, love can be resurrected. It often requires a conscious effort from both parties to rediscover what initially connected them and work through any issues that may have caused distance. Therapy and open communication can be crucial to this process.

Is it normal to feel that you are not in love occasionally?

It is perfectly normal for emotions to fluctuate in a relationship. Stress, everyday challenges and other external factors can temporarily affect your feelings. Communicating these feelings and working together to understand and overcome these periods is essential.

How is falling out of love different from just being tired of the routines of the relationship?

Falling out of love involves a lack of emotional connection and desire for intimacy while being tired of routines. It often involves feeling stuck in predictability and lacking excitement. Introducing new activities and experiences can reinvigorate the relationship in the latter case.

Does social media and comparison with other couples affect our feelings of love?

Yes, social media can create unrealistic expectations of a relationship. Constant comparison with other couples can reduce relationship satisfaction and create a feeling of something missing, which can affect feelings of love.

Can long-distance relationships cause people to feel unloved?

Long-distance relationships present unique challenges, sometimes leading to a sense of emotional separation. Regular communication, trust and planning for the future are crucial to maintaining a sense of closeness and love in such relationships.

Are there signs that you are falling out of love?

Some signs can indicate that you are falling out of love, such as reduced communication, lack of interest in physical closeness, and often feeling irritated or dissatisfied with your partner. These signs can signal that it is time to reflect on the relationship.

How does lack of communication affect the feeling of not being in love?

Lack of communication can lead to misunderstandings, frustration and emotional distance. It can create a gap between partners and contribute to a feeling of being unloved or not in love, making it difficult to deal with underlying issues.

Can external stressors make you feel unloved?

Yes, external stressors such as work-related stress, financial worries, or family issues can affect your emotional state and energy levels, affecting your feelings about a relationship and creating a sense of not being in love.

Is it possible to fall in love again after a period of emotional distance?

It is possible to regain love after a period of emotional distance. This may require a conscious effort to reinvigorate the relationship, including increased communication, sharing new experiences, and sometimes seeking support from a relationship expert or counsellor.

How do you deal with suddenly not being in love?

When feelings of love in a relationship begin to wane, it can be profoundly confusing and painful. Many couples face this situation, but few know how to deal with it constructively. Contacting a therapist for couples therapy can be a significant step in navigating these challenging feelings.

1. Acknowledge and accept

The first step is to acknowledge to each other that the feelings have changed. This requires open communication and honesty. Accepting the situation is necessary to move on.

2. Understand why

Try to understand what might have caused the change in feelings. External factors such as stress or work-related problems can play a significant role. Reflecting on these factors can help identify the core of the problem.

3. Contact a therapist

Once you have acknowledged and understood your feelings, the next step is to contact a professional. Therapists specialising in relationships and couples therapy can offer a neutral platform for discussion and reflection.

4. Engaging in therapy

Going to therapy is just the beginning. It is essential that both parties are committed to the process and are open to exploring their feelings, behaviours and thought patterns with the therapist.

5. Use tools and strategies.

You will be given tools and strategies to deal with your situation during therapy. These may include communication exercises, ways to deal with conflict, and rediscovering what once united you.

6. Reassess and continue to grow.

Therapy is not a quick fix but a journey. It is important to regularly reassess the relationship and continue to use the methods and insights gained from therapy.

Losing love in a relationship can feel overwhelming, but it is not necessarily the end. With the proper support and commitment, couples therapy can be a powerful tool to rebuild and strengthen a relationship. Our experienced psychologists and therapists are here to support you through this journey. Contact us today to begin your path to renewed understanding and love.


Written by Samantha Pieterse

Sr. Samantha Pieterse is a registered psychiatric nurse who is deeply committed to mental health and well-being. Samantha brings a unique and valuable perspective to her role as an editor for Lavendla South Africa. She has worked in Government and Private mental healthcare institutions in Gauteng and her expertise ensures that the articles on our website are accurate and accessible. Samantha is dedicated to enhancing mental health awareness and education in South Africa.