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- The one where you have a toothbrush at his place and have plans to spend next Christmas together, but are still not calling it a "relationship."
- The one where you don't love each other anymore, but you're trying to pretend like you still do.
- The one where you've been booty calling each other for an awkwardly long time for it to still just be nothing more than a booty call.
- The one where you don't hook up anymore, but you still talk a little too frequently for people who hooked up three times four summers ago.
- Overview
- What is a complicated relationship?
- Signs of a Complicated Relationship
- Are you in a complicated relationship?
- How to Manage a Complicated Relationship
- What causes a complicated relationship?
- What does “it’s complicated” mean in a relationship?
Are you in a complicated relationship?
When asked about their relationship, you’ve likely heard someone say, “It’s complicated.” A complicated relationship is a romantic partnership that lacks healthy communication and boundaries. A couple that’s unable to express their wants and needs with each other won’t know how to make each other happy. If you resonate with this, it may be because you’re in a complicated relationship. Take a look at the guide below to learn the telling signs of complicated relationships and how to handle one.
Complicated relationships often lack communication and boundaries, making it difficult to grasp the future of the partnership.
You might be in a complicated relationship if you and/or your partner struggle to commit or share your feelings.
A complicated relationship is a romantic partnership that lacks communication.
More often than not, complicated relationships occur when partners have different expectations or boundaries.
While having a difference of opinion is normal in any relationship, those in complicated relationships don’t communicate their wants and needs with each other. This can lead to disagreements and miscommunications.
Complicated relationships are typically one-sided, meaning that one companion is “all in,” while the other is looking for something outside of the relationship.
It can be difficult to communicate openly and honestly in a complicated relationship. You might struggle to express yourself and speak your truth with your partner if your relationship is complicated.
Your relationship is likely complicated if there are no set boundaries between you and your partner. This can look like not knowing how to define the relationship (friends with benefits, boyfriend/girlfriend, etc.) or if your relationship is open or not.
You may be in a complicated relationship if you or your partner have a hard time being faithful. You might not be sure what terms the relationship is on, which can cause you to question whether or not you can be intimate with others.
If you struggle to show your true self to your partner, it may be because you’re in a complicated relationship. You might suppress your thoughts and emotions because you’re unsure what they mean to you.
You’re likely in a complicated relationship if you can’t define the partnership.
Let’s say someone asks you, “Are you in a relationship?” or “Are you seeing anyone?” What’s your immediate response? If you're not sure how to answer, you’re probably in a complicated relationship.
The first step to managing a complicated relationship is recognizing you’re in one. Ask yourself, “What makes my relationship complicated?” This may require a bit of soul-searching and self-analysis—don’t be afraid to dig deep into your values and beliefs.
Find a way to communicate.
Complicated relationships are often caused by a lack of communication, so reverse the effects by
opening up to your partner
After all, the key to a healthy relationship is communication.
Sit down together and determine the best way to communicate with one another. Maybe you go out to dinner at the end of each week or text each other thoughts and feelings as they come up throughout the day.
The leading cause of a complicated relationship is little to no communication. If you don’t talk to your partner about your wants and needs, how do you know they reciprocate or understand them?
of the relationship with your partner right away to ensure you’re both on the same page.
For instance, is this partnership a one-night thing, or are you hoping for a long-term relationship?
More often than not, complicated relationships are caused by an unwillingness to share emotions. Maybe you were recently in a toxic relationship and are scared of opening up to someone again. While this is a perfectly normal reaction, it can lead to a complicated relationship.
Vocalize your thoughts and feelings
with your partner to avoid complications.
In relationships, “it’s complicated” is a sign of uncertainty.
More often than not, when someone says their relationship is “complicated,” they’re trying to deflect the conversation. They likely don’t want to get into the nitty-gritty of their dynamic with their partner. There are likely larger circumstances affecting the relationship.
Maybe they’re unhappy with the partnership or simply don’t know how to define the relationship.
“It’s complicated” doesn’t necessarily mean someone’s single or taken. They’re likely seeing someone, but the relationship may not be exclusive or committed.
Keep in mind that every relationship is different. Your relationship may show signs of being a complicated relationship, but you’re incredibly happy. At the end of the day, do what’s best for you.
Thanks for reading our article! If you’d like to learn more about relationships, check out our in-depth
- Lack of commitment: Commitment and fidelity are key characteristics of a strong, healthy relationship. They create a sense of security and trust for both people in the relationship.
- You End Up Into Frequent Arguments: In a complicated relationship, you frequently find yourself in heated arguments. It can be difficult to find common ground or resolve conflicts peacefully.
- There’s Poor Communication: Effective communication is essential for any relationship to prosper. In a complex relationship, communication may become strained, leading to misunderstandings, misinterpretations, or even complete silence.
- Crashing values: If you and your partner have fundamentally different beliefs about your core values, it will be difficult to maintain a harmonious relationship.
Nov 29, 2023 · The key to overcoming a complicated relationship is to talk about the problem openly and honestly with your partner. It can be a difficult conversation, but it can be the key to making your relationship a source of comfort and joy instead of stress and anxiety.
Nov 7, 2023 · The term Complicated Relationships often refers to relationships where one or both romantic partners have other romantic commitments outside of the relationship, making the status of the relationship complicated.
Aug 14, 2023 · A complicated relationship involves challenges, conflicts, and differing expectations between two or more people. It differs from smooth and harmonious connections and can lead to...
People also ask
What is a complicated relationship?
Why are relationships so complicated?
How do you know if a relationship is complicated?
Is it normal to have a complicated relationship?
Aug 30, 2024 · Complicated relationships are relationships where both parties are confused about what they are doing in the relationship or unsure of how to resolve their numerous problems. For example, in a complicated relationship, only one person is certain about their love for the other person.
