5 Subtle Signs You Are Smothering Your Partner

Emotional suffocation occurs when there is an imbalance in a relationship, typically due to differing needs for time spent together and apart. Some people desire constant companionship, while others require personal space. It's important to note that these differences in emotional needs do not diminish one's love for their partner.

However, if you persistently insist on constant togetherness or involvement in every aspect of your partner's life, they may begin to resent your constant presence.

Now that we understand emotional suffocation and its impact on relationships, let's explore two scenarios: when you smother your partner and when you feel smothered by your partner. We will provide insights to help you improve your relationship and prevent smothering from driving you apart.

# Your partner is becoming withdrawn

The most common indication of a problem in your relationship is when you question whether you are suffocating your partner. It's essential to be honest with yourself and reflect on this matter.

If your partner requires personal space but is not getting it because you insist on being together all the time, they will find ways to create boundaries. They may come up with excuses to spend time apart, even within the same home. They might spend more time in the bathroom, browsing their phone or making frequent visits. They may also engage in cooking or other household tasks that offer them a sense of independence, control, and a pseudo-solitude, which are the aspects they desperately need to regain. These behaviors are clear signs that they feel smothered in the relationship.

# You don’t spend quality time together

Differentiating between time spent together and quality time is crucial. Time should be viewed as more than just a measure of quantity; its quality matters too. Constantly being together without breaks can create a tense and suffocating atmosphere.

On the other hand, quality time involves setting aside distractions and dedicating a period for meaningful conversations, spiritual connection, and physical exploration – essentially realigning your relationship.

Unfortunately, it becomes challenging to have quality time when one partner insists on excessive togetherness, which can ultimately diminish the quality of the time spent together.

# It shows in their body language

While not always definitive, body language often reveals the desire to escape, which can indicate that one person in a relationship feels suffocated. Here are some signs of feeling smothered:

a. During hugs or kisses, their upper body is pressed tightly against yours, but their hips and feet are turned away, showing readiness to leave as soon as the interaction is over.

b. When talking, they turn their body aside and avoid sustained eye contact, suggesting a reluctance to engage in a conversation that could lead to more one-on-one time.

c. Conversations tend to occur in doorways, subtly conveying that they have other obligations and limited time for lengthy discussions.

d. In bed, physical affection no longer involves full body contact. Instead, it may be reduced to a half-hearted draped arm or hand, fulfilling the obligation of constant touch that your partner feels obliged to maintain.

# You’ve become clingy

Even individuals who feel suffocated in a relationship will seek moments of temporary freedom from their clingy partner. While this may occasionally provide relief, it can also lead to significant negative consequences.

In such situations, it is acceptable to send a few text messages like "how's it going" or "I love you." After all, being a couple involves such communication, and if the other person objects to this, then the issue lies with them.

However, constantly being on the phone with your partner every five minutes due to personal neediness is definitely not acceptable.

# Your partner is hesitant to be around you

There was a time when your partner would eagerly leave work at 5pm just to come home to you. However, things have changed. They now prioritize finishing their work before leaving the office and are less enthusiastic about rushing home. This behavior suggests that they find any other activity more appealing than spending suffocating time with you.

Even if it means working overtime or engaging in activities they may not necessarily enjoy, they willingly choose it as long as it means getting away from feeling smothered.

It seems like they are willing to take any excuse, no matter how mundane, just to escape from being around you.